"I learned wine in the best way…hands on. The moment I turned 21 I told the maitre’d I worked with “I NEED to learn wine and do this”. He filled my arms with books, shared his personal experiences with me, and next thing I knew I was decanting large-format first growths tableside, the old-fashioned way, with candle and tastevin. Since then, I have worked in retail, winery, wine journalism and started several rare wine companies until I began my own, BPWINE, with several like-minded friends. We specialize in the purchase of private cellars and direct-importing from Europe, and we sell to private collectors and the wine trade allover the planet. We are obsessive about provenance, bottle conditions, and storage, and are known in the industry as a top-quality source of well-stored old bottles. Based in St. Helena, California we have a unique access to local wineries.

  

It is my greatest joy to drink older bottles of well-stored wine, particularly California Cabernets and Pinot Noirs. It is my belief that in general, wine is consumed far too early and that we collectively underestimate the lifespan of well-stored wine.

 

Some of the greatest and most thrilling bottles of my life have been: ’59 Lafite, ‘74 Hanzell pinot, ’67 Yquem, ’29 Ponelle Musigny, 1907 Haut Brion, ’78 Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill, ’69 Ridge Geyserville, ’94 Harlan Estate….among many many others.

 

After many years of prodding from local winemaker friends, we produced 200 cases of a Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley called SLEEPER. It is sold via our website/client list and we feel it “over delivers” in a substantial way, at its modest price of $44.

 

Wine is a beverage of peace and life. It brings people together and spreads joy in a way that is singularly unique and pleasurable.

In this section, Mr. Blicker lends insight to questions we love to ask of our favorite winemakers.

Q:  What school (if any) did you attend to learn about wine?  Where did you find your most valuable training on the subject?

A: I have never attended classes of any kind. My experience is all hands on, in the workplace, and via formative wine books such as Kevin Zraly’s Windows on the World and extensive travel in wine producing areas. I also credit my customers and my peers in the never-ending learning process.

Q: What is your favorite wine website or blog?

A: Mark Squire’s Bulletin Board hosted by Robert Parker at erobertparker.com.

The level and variety of tasting experience is truly astounding.

Q: What appellation do you see as a front-runner for the 2010 vintage?

A: In California, Lake County. In the world…because of the economy, I still see Argentina and Spain as strong.

Q: What are your favorite wine tools?

A: My trusty, strong, sterile Pyrex 1 liter test tube which I use as a decanter.

Q: Please share your most useful and interesting tasting procedures.

A: Always exhale through the nose after swallowing.

Vigorously decant young big red wines by shaking, double decanting, really roughing them up.

When finishing off an old red, go back and pour the sediment laden leftovers into your glass and smell. It will be the best aromatic profile of the night for that wine. 

Q: Do you have any wine idols?

A: I must say Robert Parker, because he was my first. Plus he is a great guy. My earliest mentors, Chip Trantina and Van Hale.

Q: What region do you most look forward to visiting?

A: New Zealand and Argentina.

 

Q: Do you know of any wine people participating or promoting a great cause through wine?

A: The many, many local wineries, collectors and wine business professionals in the Napa Valley who contribute so much wine and goodwill to our many local fundraisers here. Our hospitals, clinics, schools, childcare, and so many other services would suffer were it not for the generosity of so many in the local wine community. The list is far too long.