The Billionaire next door.

The hand made door was pulled from a French castle built in the 1600s. The old hinges squeaked as I pushed open its 54 pounds of solid,yellow oak that now guarded the entrance to his 5 thousand bottle wine cellar. We walked into the cool blackness that surrounded us.

  Soft lighting automatically turns on and I stare down at the natural cobblestone flooring that spans across 578 square feet.

A slight dampness and smell of old corks permeates the air. The sound of splashing water is revealed as an 18 century Italian water fountain that once graced an unknown plaza in Florence Italy.

This was a cathedral of wine with carved stone archways and busted figures of Bacchus perched on white columns.

There I was. I had finally got the invite to a wine cellar from one of the billionaires in our little New England town.

These are mostly men of their own making. Captains of industry, dreamers, and idea makers. They are usually from New York  and come here in the summer months seeking a playground for their families and friends. They reside in substantial water front homes that adorn the Rhode Island coast line like jewels on a necklace. These uber wealthy men collect Ferraris, rare art ,and in some cases fine wines. Thats where I come in.

I have found that most of these guys are compelled to fill a wine cellar for no other reason than the fact that a wine cellar comes with the house.

Many times they have little or no interest in wines, rather they would rather present a fully stocked cellar as a show piece or an exhibit of their cultural prowess.

On the other hand this particular billionaire was very much interested in wine and uses it as an investment opportunity. He buys and sells at prestigious auctions and loves the profit gaining potentials. He also opens a $200 bottle of mature Bordeaux for a mid week dinner.

They were all here. The names and labels that certify you as a collector. Trophies like Lafite, Margaux, Mouton, and Yquem spread across the maze of red oak wine racks that resemble the catacombs of underground Rome.

Multi vintage layouts that easily dazzle  any wine enthusiast such as myself. Not to mention the many large format bottles of Grand Cru Burgundies.

I was here for a simple delivery,but it was so much more. This cellar was an expos'e of what happens when you can buy any wine you want. It exuded an opulence and a certain reverence toward wine that was also a slice of the owners personality. 

 So after I removed the "wow "off of my face we began to talk like old friends. We had a great conversation about the 61 vintage bordeaux vs the 82 and the drinking windows for his large bottles. This lasted for about 15 min and then he popped open his vibrating cell phone and turned away with a whisper "Its my NY office" I wandered around and glanced at his triple vertical of Penfolds Grange and his Caymus Special Select bottles from every vintage made.  I then realized though he has a multi million dollar summer home and even his car cost more than my house we had reached a unique common ground with wine. The hand made wine racks ,the cobblestone flooring,and the statues of Bacchus became merely a backdrop for our mutual passion of wine. I respected his love for this stuff and I sure he recognized my own.

 After his phone call he walked me back to the entrance and showed me the touch screen computer that controlled all aspects of the cellar environment.

We continued to discuss current wine trends..Things like cork vs screwcap, higher alcohol wines and organics. He then pointed to a bottle of 2003 Leoville Barton Bordeaux that was removed from the rack and  standing up. He simply said "Thats a baby, but give it a try". I picked it up and said "2003..a hot year. so its probably better young" I tried not to show my over excitement and remained professional but how often do you get a free bottle of excellent bordeaux valued around $200 ?

 I thanked him and insisted to return with a tasting note.

The hinged door sqeaked , I shook his hand and left with a smile. It wasnt the incredible cellar, It wasnt even the free bottle of 2003 Bordeaux. It was that I had a new wine friend.

Now to go and make my own billion....Cheers!