Six simple rules for better, more satisfying wine drinking

Rule No. 1: Find a good local wine shop and be loyal to it.
Rule No. 2: Taste comparatively and often.
Rule No. 3: Learn to write a tasting note.
A note should be short, to the point, and useful. Name the wine completely, identify the vintage, then comment briefly on what you notice (color, aroma, flavors, texture, concentration, etc.).
Rule No. 4: Move up to case buying.
Rule No. 5: Read a good book.
For updates on what's happening in various regions from vintage to vintage, there's nothing like Dorling Kindersley's small format Wine Report series, edited by Tom Stevenson. The latest is Wine Report 2006 (about $15). For something more comprehensive if less nimble, try the ''New
Rule No. 6: You never get anywhere drinking mineral water.