Questions from a new member

[Andy Velebil]

(Moderator edit: Peter posted these in the introduction section. There are some good questions here that I know we can help him with. So I am re-posting his intro and questions in this thread so more see it).

Post by Peter McIver » Tue Jan 28, 2014 4:14 pm
Evening all!

Just a quick introduction prior to my barrage of foolish 'newbie' questions. Almost a non-drinker for the past decade i have always partaken and enjoyed the many loyal toasts i've been privy to over the past 6 or so years. With a sweet tooth i still consider myself a non-drinker but have begun to explore this attraction to Port a little further and a few recent VPs (1966, 1983 and 2001) have given me an appreciation for an occasional past time.

With an Aeronautical/Mechanical Engineering background i can't leave things well enough alone and see problems as a challenge. With nowhere to store any future purchases i have drawn up plans for a 240 bottle store which should let me store at a regulated temperature for practically free (its solar powered with a mains backup) and have a crazy solution to storing at in constant humidity/low oxygen environment.

Part way through Richard Mayson's updated book i'm still very much learning and definitely have a crude and uneducated palate. Having enjoyed a 2007 Maynards LBV i've bought a dozen or so bottles to see how a single vintage develops over time but am aware that the rate at which a LBV develops differs from a VP. So to some basic questions which i'm sure will be answered swiftly here rather than chocking up the basics area...

1, The mass of LBV i've just laid down, despite being unfiltered is stoppered and not corked. Is there any benefit to swapping these out for corks prior to laying them down.
2, Sourcing VP: Retailers with a range of VP seem to be few and far between. Where would you recommend for variety at a competitive price, (i'm currently looking at a few different cases of 2011 VPs on Vintagewineandport.co.uk but cannot find anyone else with the variety and stock they have to compare prices.)

Again, Hi and i look forward to contributing.

Pete