Bordeaux 2009 En Primeur: UK Merchants Premier League
May 27th 2010, by Gavin
Any pro will tell you that buying top wines from Bordeaux En Primeur, or splashing out while the wine is still in barrel and two years before delivery, is a risk. So you should buy from reliable sources.
The following 20 UK merchants have a strong track record, and could be considered the Premiership as far as En Primeur is concerned, with other candidates in the frame for promotion – see below and feel free to comment. I’ve listed the 20 in rough order of Bordeaux muscle (think allocations), range, prices, services and website. Prices are always quoted In Bond, which excludes Duty at £20+ and VAT on the lot. Check for extras, such as delivery.
For ‘Deal or No Deal?’ updates on wines as prices are released, follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/GavinQuinney
Lay and Wheeler (owned by Majestic)
All the above sell wines as they come on the market, except The Wine Society, who make two large, separate offers in June and July, and £50 membership is required. I have no commercial ties with any, except Private Cellar who have kindly helped us sell some Chateau Bauduc in China.
Plus a few contenders:
Laithwaites, with their famous ‘enthusiastic’ sales copy, head the Direct Wines group of companies, so could run their own mini-League – including Avery’s, Sunday Times Wine Club, Virgin Wines, BA Wine Club. Limited range, & high shipping charges on top (STWC).
From Vineyards Direct (new old boys on the block, strong on ‘affordables’)
OW Loeb (website ‘under construction’)
Jascots (in and out of the game, boosted by signing of David Round MW)
Richard Dawes (new)
5 comments
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Steve Webb replied:
In the seperate sport of Sauternes En Primeur I’d respectfully suggest ourselves – Bordeaux Gold! Bill Blatch is a partner in Bordeaux Gold and through Vintex a supplier to many of those in your Premier League.
May 27th, 2010 at 5:41 pm. Permalink.
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Gavin replied:
Thanks for submitting your bid for promotion, Steve. Bill is a fine partner, passionate about Sauternes of course – and send him my best regards. Gavin
May 27th, 2010 at 8:00 pm. Permalink.
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Jimmy KP replied:
Declaring a vested interest I would like to suggest that potential buyers in East Anglia / London consider dealing with Edward Parker Wines who are based in Norfolk. They may not have been around as long as some of the illustrious names in the ‘premier league’ but they have a very ‘charismatic’ manager who gets his team to play for their fans. No frills but fantastic old fashioned service.
May 27th, 2010 at 9:39 pm. Permalink.
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Paul replied:
Nice list Gavin especially in light of recent scams involving En Primeur!
There are a lot of great wines to be found, but as usual if the offer is too good to be true, then it probably is!
Regards
PaulSeptember 29th, 2011 at 3:01 pm. Permalink.
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Gavin replied:
Thank you, Paul. The main thing is to avoid the scammers.
October 11th, 2011 at 9:53 am. Permalink.