I was recently asked to list the top ten items I would stock in my wine cellar. The person who asked me did not realize I’m just a newbie, and I didn’t disillusion her. My response was ‘sure, I’ll make a list.’

Trouble is, I’m not sure I can find ten wines I really liked just yet. There have been some pretty passable ones, but really special wine? There are just a few, and what makes them so great is not just the wine itself, but atmosphere, what I’m eating at the time, how long it has been open and allowed to mellow, my mood and more.

So far I can easily recommend BC Ortegas. These include Recline Ridge and Larch Hills, varieties I have tried thus far. The Trebbiano from Farnese was a nice surprise. Naked Grape bottles some lovely wines, including a Chardonnay, while I know I’ve tried a couple of Rieslings with success, and both from BC. I also had an enjoyable Chardonnay/Riesling blend from Australia.

For reds there are only a few. These include the Argenitian Fuzion or a Malbec from the same country and La Joya Merlot. You may note a lack of winery names: this is because I simply cannot remember and need to write things down. You may have said the same thing to yourselves: ‘oh, I’ll remember. No need to write it down.’ Nice try.

I’m not sure, maybe seven wines up there, and not all ‘favorites’, some just passable. Include the Woodbridge Sauvignon Blanc but only with a meal or you’ll be face down in your bowl of potato chips before you know it. I seem to recall enjoying Ernest and Julio Gallo White Zinfadel and White Ganache, but be careful: the latter displays sweet flavors and a creamy texture. Imbibe in moderation or you’ll get cavities.

I may be up to ten bottles now. Expect the list to change with a bit more experience (otherwise known as drinking). Who knows, maybe I’ll have one list for red and another for white by the end of the year. Let’s make that the goal: 7 months, lots of wine to drink. Time to flex the corkscrew and get busy.