2009 Bordeaux En-Primeur Rules of Engagement. . .
It’s clearly evident that we (“we” being the wine trade) have not learnt from the mistakes ‘post’ the 2005 campaign (and the consequences’ thereafter – excessive pricing etcetera) as far too much has already been written about how ‘super-duper’ the 2009 Bordeaux Vintage is and that’s before we’ve even blooming tasted the stuff!
Consequently, we are assisting the Bordelaise by fuelling the already very ‘hot’ fire and therefore playing straight into their hands (again!). We are expecting a tough fight with the négociants particularly, as the US and Asian markets are purported to be onboard this year too – Let’s hope the négociants play a fair game this year. . . Time will soon tell!
Regardless of our ever-so slight rant, Z&B operates by one simple rule. Put simply, we show the same loyal support as our friends and customers show us and we do not deviate from the same. Therefore, we thought it prudent to set out our “2009 Bordeaux En-Primeur Rules of Engagement” in advance of this year’s campaign.
- Full priority will be given to customers’ who purchased the same wine during last years En-Primeur campaign. For example; if you purchased 5 x cases of the superb 2008 Château Pontet Canet you will be offered 5 x cases of the 2009.
- It is imperative to send us your ‘wish-list’ prior to the start of the En-Primeur campaign. We will offer any remaining stocks (once we have allocated to last years buyers) should one of these Châteaux appear on your wish-list. Moreover, you will jump the queue ahead of the one-off buyers.
First Growth Allocations’
- As usual we will purchase our 1st, 2nd and 3rd Tranche allocations before releasing the ‘average’ release price to our existing customers’. Again, priority will be given to customers’ who purchased the same Château during last years En-Primeur campaign.
- Once we have fairly shared out each First Growth to existing customers’ we will then look at customers’ who have purchased a range of other wines and have indicated their interest for a First Growth on their ‘wish-list’.
- Demand for Château Lafite Rothschild and Carruades de Lafite always exceeds supply – If your ‘wish-list’ only contains these two wines, please understand that it’s highly unlikely that we will not be in a position to offer you any. . .
Final Thought. . .
We are delighted to work with new customers although, we anticipate that most ‘top’ Châteaux will sell-out quickly. Nonetheless, we will work tirelessly to support some (if we can’t realize) all of your wishes. . .
