Posts Tagged ‘Bordeaux’
Bordeaux 2009 Futures Prime the Pump
Wednesday, June 9th, 2010’09 Bordeaux Futures May Provide Opportunity in Older Vintages
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010While many of the entry level 2009 Bordeaux wine futures prices have been released over the last few weeks, wine collectors are holding their “collective” breath for the cream of the crop, those elite that live in the 1rst growth tier. From what I read and hear, it appears as if futures prices of these wines will be released sometime over the next several weeks. That’s the good news. The disappointing news to me as a Bordeaux wine lover, is that rumors have it that the 1rst growth prices may approach and in some cases exceed the last surge in 2005. In light of the fact that the US just dodged the worst economic onslaught in 80 years and Europe is now struggling (witness the plunge of the Euro), it would seem to me that discretionary monies for high end wines would be limited. Somehow, I can’t imagine that we are going to return to the good old days of funding our leisure lives through home equity and credit cards. So from where is the fuel coming to support higher futures prices?
Well, one is the Asian continent, fueled by China. Hong Kong wine auctions have been very well attended and highly successful in selling most the auctioned lots at asked for or higher prices. As well, Bordeaux merchants believe that the US will step up for another Bordeaux vintage of the decade, the half century or century. Recall that we heard the same praises uttered for the stellar 2000 and 2005 vintages with 2003 just a smidge behind, but that was another era. With all this said, where should Bordeaux lovers look to start or add to their high end collectibles.
Asia Soaking up the Wine
Thursday, April 22nd, 2010Should Wine Be a Part of Your Investment Portfolio?
Saturday, April 17th, 2010I just finished reading an article that leads with the headline “investing in high end collectible wine beats stocks” regardless of the economy. The summary article was published in a very well respected wine journal. The study, conducted by two PhD candidates from the University of Fribourg, is an update of the original first published prior to the recent recession and concludes that investing in investment grade, auction worthy wine, improves on financial returns while reducing risk. The time interval used covered two bull and two bear markets back to 1996. At first, I felt uneasy about the concept. While I enjoy my fair share of nice wine, my philosophy has always been to enjoy the wine, even at the high end of the spectrum. Somehow, I never thought of it as a part of my investment portfolio. Nonetheless, the concept does deserve consideration.
First off, let’s define the term investment. Webster’s dictionary offers two definitions. The first is “an outlay of money…….for income or profit ” while a second is “ to make use of future benefits or advantages.” The study described above clearly was referring to the first definition, suggesting that it should add financial returns to your portfolio. So let me address this first.
The 2009 Bordeaux Futures Train Gains Steam
Wednesday, March 31st, 2010The anticipation continues to build regarding the quality of the 2009 Bordeaux vintage, barrel tasting now underway as the “experts” attempt to drink their way through hundreds upon hundreds of wines. Makes you wonder how much justice is done on behalf of the final batch of tastings on any given day. Despite cleansing with water and crackers, my palate would be on life support by the end of the day. That being said, however, the developing consensus from early barrel tasting seems to echo the earlier pronouncement by vintners that this is to be one outstanding vintage. While there seems to be some question regarding degree of extraction in selected wines, many seem to be destined for stardom. Of course, the real test will come ten years down the line as the wines will have settled, aged a bit and begin to reveal what they really will be when they grow up. En primeur or futures are expected to be setsomewhere between the end of April and June, offering those interested in getting in early an opportunity to place their orders. The question at hand is do you plunk down some cash for future delivery of these wines? Let’s examine this one step at a time.
If you’re looking to start or add to your Bordeaux collection, buying on futures is one alternative, the other being the purchase at market price when the wine is released. Buying on futures involves paying in advance for the wine. The 2009 vintage in bottle, for example, will not be available until late in 2011. It’s analogous to futures investing in the financial markets except you wait longer for the wine to arrive. Why consider futures? There are two potential advantages.
A South Africa Trio From the Ernie Els Portfolio
Wednesday, March 24th, 2010While Ernie Els is best known for his stardom as a PGA golfer, many are unaware of his success as a partner in the South Africa portfolio Ernie Els wines. His classic Bordeaux blend, reviewed below, has achieved outstanding ratings in every vintage by national and international wine experts since its first release in 2000. Ernie’s portfolio of wines range from the very affordable, entry level wines to his special Stellenbosch Bordeaux blend.
Guardian Peak Frontier, 2008:
A Local Wine Add Freshness to this Edition
Friday, March 5th, 2010We have four wines for you on this segment: two from California, one from the Mendoza region of Argentina and one from our own backyard.
Orin Swift Papillon Napa Valley , 2005: Comprised of the classic Bordeaux blend of grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec this wine is very well structured with fruits of dark cherry and currant and some spicy and cedary notes. Tannins are soft leading the way for a smooth and elegant finish. Enjoy now or cellar for the next few years….runs ~$55-60.
Bordeaux Announces Intention to Become World Leader in Sustainability
Friday, February 26th, 2010Bordeaux is aiming to be a world leader in winemaking sustainability with the launch of an Environmental Management System. Bordeaux wine body the CIVB announced its commitment to radically reduce carbon emissions by 2050. A 2008 study found that the Bordeaux wine industry produces 200,000 tonnes of carbon per year. CIVB pledged to reduce this by 25% by 2020 and by 75% by 2050. The aim of the new system is to reduce the environmental impact of wine production from the vineyard to bottling and transporting with a focus upon recylcing technologies.
CIVB will provide training to help companies set emissions levels, set up alert systems for reducing impact, and run efficiency audits. The CIVB will be running a pilot study with 20 companies this year to troubleshoot the issues.
Second Growth Bordeaux Producer Launches Second Wine
Friday, February 26th, 2010Bordeaux second growth Chateau Leoville Las Cases has announced it's intention to produce a second wine. Yorick D'Alton of the Delon family, owners of the St Julien property, said this week it was the wish of Leoville Las Cases director Jean-Hubert Delon 'to make a real second wine.' Currently the property produces two wines, the grand vin from the original walled 'clos' vineyard, true storied and collectible wine, and Clos de Marquis, from a separate plot to the west of St Julien, with very different terroir. D'Alton said, 'This will be a common second wine from both vineyards, made from young vines and vats that are not of the right quality level for the grand vin.' The first release of the new wine, to be called Petit Leon de Léoville, will be from the 2007 vintage. This more entry level wine should be more affordable than its older brother, allowing wine enthusiasts to enjoy Bordeaux from a top notch producer.
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