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The Distinction Directory You can't open a superb bottle of wine if you can't find it in your collection. That's where Jeff Smith comes in. Smith's Los Angeles-based company, Carte du Vin, advises clients on cellar design and how to arrange bottles by wine type, prducer and vintage. Then, Smith produces a guide to the client's cellar that allows the owner to locate any bottle instantly. The leather-bound (and web-accessible) inventory records how much was paid for each bottle and includes recommendations for when to open them--so you won't uncork that $960 Petrus before it peaks. When clients purchase new wine, they contact Smith, who then adds it to their online database, along with his notes on how and when to enjoy it. Regarding his education, Smith, the son of a major wine collector, says, "I learned at the foot of a collector, then did my graduate work in wine cellars." Smith is so enthusiastic about collecting great wine, he's written a book about it. "The Best Cellar" will be out in January from Bonus Books. Call for an appointment, 310-246-0005, carteduvin.com.
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