Jeff Burch's Cellaring Tips

Long before he became an owner in Howard Park, Jeff Burch was, and continues to be an avid collector of wine. As such, his passion has driven the vision for Howard Park’s museum wine program.

Since 1986, we’ve been quietly putting away a certain amount of stock from every vintage into our climate controlled cellar and as part of our wine club program, members can access a limited quantity of these museum release wines each year without doing the hard work of cellaring.

While we take great pride in showcasing the pedigree and history of our wines as they age, we took the opportunity to speak with Jeff Burch about his personal collection, what he likes to cellar and any extra tips:

Jeff, what are your go to wines (brands) for putting away?

Well it goes without saying that we always put aside Howard Park wines for cellaring but each year I will purchase vintage Champagne to cellar, specifically Salon, Pol Roger (Winston Churchill), Krugg and Tattinger (Comte de Champagne). I’ll normally get a few bottles of each to cellar over the next 10 years.

What are you eyeing off in your cellar right now?

Right now I can’t keep my hands off the 2017 Marchand & Burch Chambolle Musigny. Although it’s young it is incredibly beautiful to drink now. I know it will get even better with age, but I am enjoying it so much right now.

What was your biggest disappointment from your cellar?

It was a white wine. 2004 Bouchard le Montrachet. I only had one bottle and had been eyeing it off for some time. I fought to leave it in the cellar, to give it time, but when I finally opened it…it was corked! I was shattered.

(N.B That’s why one of our tips for cellaring wine is have a buddy system so that you have a couple on hand just in case. You can read all the tips here.)

Favourite varietal to watch evolve over the short, medium and long term

Pinot Noir without a doubt. Those from Australia, Oregon, New Zealand and France are my favourite to watch develop.

Do you have any additional tips for wine collectors?

Apart from those included in the blog piece here. Jeff’s final tip is this:

“Don’t cellar wine too long. I’ve made many a mistake by holding onto a wine longer than their optimum drinking window. Although they were still enjoyable, I missed their peak. Currently I’m drinking wines younger up to about 10 years of age.”

Jeff and Amy Burch’s passion for wine, grew out of a love for the south west region of Western Australia. As serious wine collectors, their frequent trips to the Margaret River Wine Region presented opportunities to interact with many early wine producers with whom they shared their passion and hunger for knowledge. After partnering with the Wade family in 1993 the Burch Family then become sole owners of Howard Park in 1998. As a couple and as individuals the pair have traveled extensively to wine regions around the world tasting wines that have broadened their palate and added to their knowledge.