Bordeaux 2009: the circus
March 26th 2010, by Gavin
The world of fine wine descends on Bordeaux next week for the so called ‘en primeur’ tastings of this über-ripe, much-hyped vintage. Thousands of professionals, and many more hangers on, will be trying to evaluate the wines and stay looking sharp, despite having black teeth.
We’ve got a small team staying with us, and we’re starting in Pomerol on Monday 29th March, St-Emilion on Tuesday 30th, Pauillac, St-Julien, St-Estèphe and Margaux on Wednesday 1st April, Péssac-Léognan on Thursday 2nd, and then I’m going back solo to the Médoc to the First Growths and ‘Super-Seconds’ the week after Easter.
Judging by the harvest last September and October, my guess is that the most exciting spots will be Pomerol, Pauillac, St-Julien and St-Estèphe, although it should be impressive all round.
We’re up, thanks, but how was it for you?
January 15th 2010, by Gavin
Hot on the heels of the positive spin coming from the major UK retailers about their Christmas sales, including Majestic’s 12% increase in the nine weeks of the festive season, we’re delighted that our UK wine sales were up 35% by value in November and December compared to the same months in 2008. This excludes Bauduc Bond sales which don’t count just yet, as they are filed under ‘Bordeaux futures’.
What’s quite interesting is that we actually sent out less emails out to customers in 2009, contrary to what you might think: six from 1st October to Christmas – one a fortnight – compared to eight in 2008. We’re learning that no-one likes being inundated with crap when an occasional offer or seasonal reminder will do. Our Christmas Gazette - “A Season to be Jolly” – sent in the UK post certainly helped.
November Newsletter
November 20th 2009, by Gavin
Here’s our Bauduc monthly newsletter in case you missed it. For any of the links, click on the image and it will take you to a working web version. If you want to be on the mailing list, simply add your name and email at the top of the page.
Free tickets to a great Christmas Concert
November 18th 2009, by Gavin
We donate wine to The Children’s Trust for the reception following their famous Christmas concert in London each year. The charity has always kindly offered us some free tickets in return (as well as a full page slot in the programme), and as we can’t make the trip from Bordeaux, why not give them to customers?
The Children’s Trust Christmas Carol Concert will be held on 1st December in the magnificent Hall of St.John’s, Smith Square in Westminster. It should be a fine start to the Christmas season. More details of the concert here.
St.John’s, Smith Square is a few minutes walk from Westminster tube. The concert will start at 7.30pm and the post-concert party will run from 8.30pm to 10.30pm. Tickets are on sale at £50 each from The Children’s Trust website, but we have 4 pairs to give away now in a free prize draw.