Sorry for the small delay but I was in Bordeaux for a couple of days for an overview of the ’09s (we will post something shortly). I think out of all previous vintages Robert Parker’s influence will be less important in 2009. The reason for this is that we already know that this is going to be a great vintage and the market won’t need his blessing to start speculating. That said I doubt any of the Chateau will release before Robert Parker is out, just in case they can squeeze a few more euros!!

Max

for investment, I do not agree the outstanding vintage would be the best chance since 2005.As the players in the game changed, the chateaux(here I mean first growths,especially lafite) already know the Chinese can pay whatever amount they want, for example, a bottle of 82 lafite in beijing is asking for 7 grams, can u believe it??? of course, it is not strange, as the government and billionare bussinessmen do not care, as they even spent 30 grams for bottle of Conti…….

so, it sounds very happy for the en primuer buyers, but, do be careful, the Chinese market is extremely unstablized, and prices in different cities/provinces are very different, in Guangdong/neighboring to HongKong,the 82 lafite is asking for a more rational price, quite similiar here, about 3/3.5grams. Most importantly, nobody knows how long the love will goes on between the Chinese and the 1st growths. Maybe one day, they do not like and fall in love with somebody else. It is a kind of ridiculous if you know the price of garlic in China is 10 times more expansive than last two years, are u going to buy garlic or lafite??

therefore, I will not be surprised the release of “outstanding” vintage would be 5000 GBP per case as the 2005 is already 7000 GBP. Which means the investors could still have at least 1000GBP profit in the next three years. But, the most delightful time for the en primeur buyers has already passed, check out and compare the profits between 2005 and 2001,2002,2003,2004. 2008 is possible the last dream chance for the next decade.

I will only buy bottled wines from now on as the profits for the en primeur buyers are nothing comparing to other investments.

I kindly suggest chateaux be more rational and low down the prices, otherwise, you will lose best friends in those years.

Many thanks your post and apologise for the delay, I was away for a few days. 2009 will definitely be an investment vintage whether it is for pleasure or financial return. It will be like 2000 and 2005, “a must have” vintage, interest is already very high which means demand will be too. As per 2000 and 2005, most of the wines will go up in value from the moment they are released and it is always advisable to buy as soon as the wines are released rather than a few weeks or months down the line in order to maximise returns. I would also recommend that you buy accross the board to hedge your bets. We will be updating customers on the vintage at the end of March, which will give us a more concise view of what’s to come.

Max

I found your blog helpful and you replied so quickly. I am a new wine learner and amazed by this year harvest. I am now considering to buy 2009 Bordeaux En Primeur for investment, any advice for me?
Thanks very much

JAMES

Many thanks for your comments, we anticipate the 2009 Bordeaux vintage to be released from early May to end of June 2010. I have, indeed, been to St Estephe where the fruit also looked fantastic and, with high proportions of Cabernet in most blends and higher levels of minerality, this will definitely be an area to watch. Unfortunately I did not visit Calon Segur but I very confident that they will do well. We shall report more in details in early 2010.

Max

did u visited st estephe ?? i am calon segur lover any news for their 2009 vintage ?

thx for yr effort, appreciated.