I'm trying to build my wine vocab, find out if actually like the things I think I'll like from the producers/regions I've run into, but essentially starting from near 0.

Sooooo, this is what I have acquired thus far which a friend described as "classic, structured Old World reds". I know I like French wines, but I want to diversify as well. I'd like to acquire/start with another 8 bottles, then branch out from there.

Purpose for collecting? First to understand and experience, then for drinking split into 3 categories; drinking wines , mid term wines , long term wines. Happy to buy multiples of outstanding bottles. I collect Scotch currently, wishing I had bought 3-5 of bottles of my favorites that were readily available in 2018.

I do entertain fairly often, so having a good breadth would be nice for those occasions. As a balance to that, owning 6-12 bottles from a few reputable producers would be great for distinguishing nuance, which I definitely lack at.

The CA champagne was a gift from Thanksgiving, don't judge!

Open to all suggestions.