Wine Advice for the Young 'uns

You know how old people think they know everything because they've been around so long and have life experiences? You know how the younger ones think they know everything for no apparent reason? I don't know why it's this way. Following is wine advice for young folks from someone probably older than you and has maybe made a few wine-related mistakes.

"When we were much younger grandma
and I got drunk on Champagne one night
and that's why you're here today!"

•  People say (including me), "Drink what you like." That's fine if you want to always be stuck in the same Chardonnay and Merlot rut. Not that there's anything wrong with Chard or Merlot. If Zinfandel isn't your favorite because you tried a $10 Zin once you probably haven't branched out enough. Anything new won't be your favorite -- yet.
• When you "meet" a wine for the first time don't be thrown by first impressions. It takes awhile to get to know and understand them.
• People say when you find a wine you really like you should buy a case. It's good to buy several bottles, but how long will it take you to drink that case? If it stretches to a couple years are you still going to like that wine? The last bottle will not taste the same as the first. Some wine has a short life span so don't buy a case of rosé unless you plan on drinking at least a bottle a week.
• Don't take wine seriously. Damn, some people get upset when they taste a buttery Chardonnay or something. It's only wine. It supposed to be fun. If not then get a serious hobby like golf.
• Ever hear the phrase aged wine is better? And maybe even had someone tell you wine A is better than wine B because it will age longer? Aged wine isn't better; it's different. This doesn't mean that three year old Cabernet won't smooth out in a few more years if stored properly. The only thing aging guarantees is that the wine will taste different, but better is not guaranteed.
• Another reason not to get carried away with collecting wine is just because you like a certain kind of wine now doesn't mean you'll still like it in ten years or whenever you get around to drinking it. Lets say you are big on Napa Cabs from two of three different producers. Maybe in a few years you're all over Washington State Syrah. So what about all those Cabs you're been saving? Tastes do change so don't overdo it on stocking up your cellar with only a few things.
• Each wine is a treasure when you open it. A lot of work went into that bottle.
• Don't go into debt and don't piss off your significant other over wine. Remember that it's supposed to be fun. If you're going to spend more money than you should then do it for the right reason -- like restoring a '38 Chevy.  (just kidding, kinda).
• Wines are meant to be shared with family and friends. If you don't believe me just ask any Italian.