I pulled Virginie de Valandraud 2006 from the open market, even though it represented 70% of sales since 1992. I did keep a few colleagues and friends wholesalers via brokers who sell through specific distribution networks.
I am doing the same with Valandraud 2008: pull it from the open market and setup distribution through a few colleagues wholesalers, some who already have signed sales contracts thanks to inspired brokers (indeed) by this business opportunity.
Bordeaux market place plays a great role when demand is strong, but I am concerned that when times are a bit more challenging, they have a hard time promoting and sell wines.
The open market is a fantastic tool, but in Valandraud’s case, why would a colleague put all his effort in distributing a wine when a competing wholesaler also carries it? For, if in my case I followed the unwritten rules, by selling my wine at a higher price than my colleagues, most haven’t even asked themselves if it was worth investing in my wine. Valandraud, which was sold by 70% of Bordeaux wholesalers for more than 15 years, fell to 50% for 2007 and without being a prophet, I believe it will be less than 30% for the 2008 vintage. Therefore, why stay in this open market distribution system and instead sign formal distribution agreements where each client will be protected in his region?
My company is becoming more and more commercially independent. Speculative turbulences are already being diversified and being spread between 3 sorts of wines: some produced by us, those sold exclusively, and those sold by Bordeaux market place.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Wines I recently tasted
A rich wine, powerful, almost like an Amarone, given to me by Pascal Carrère : Villany Gere Attila Solus 2004, made from Hungarian Merlot – perfect for anyone obsessed by the risk of over-ripeness in Bordeaux.
Gracia 1997 : no flavors of vegetal, still young and rich. This proves that even in a lesser vintage, work pays off (garage or not).
Cheval Blanc 1998, noted between 93 and 98 points by Parker, 97or 98 by Neal Martin, 98 by the Wine Spectator and 16 by Jancis Robinson. This wine was youthful, the Cabernet Franc was first a bit shy, but then expressed it’s full capacity. A very fine wine, one of the best from the vintage – Valandraud, of course, more decadent, evolved. It would be a good idea to taste them side by side today and in 10 years!
Cornélie 2006, a good and serious Medoc, still a bit closed.
3 de Valandraud 2002, modern, easy to drink, almost a wine to quench your thirst !
Virginie de Valandraud 2004, very good to drink now despite the vintage which was a bit austere in Valandraud. We only have 44 magnums left!
Quinault L’Enclos 2006, very good wine produced by our friend Alain Raynaud. The quality-price ratio is very good, as François Mauss would say
Good Yquem 1986, old style Yquem, I find the last vintages lighter and purer. Question of taste.
Our 2008 will be superb. The ripeness of the fruit is almost decadent, with freshness from the vintage as counter-point. In the following years, we will know how and why the quality is present in a vintage which had such a difficult start. This will certainly challenge the preconceived notions of what constitutes a good vintage in Bordeaux. Will it be the year where smart amateurs will finally be able to buy a great Bordeaux vintage without ruining themselves? Will we rediscover the joy of making good deals? We will know in a few months…
Little business info : Chic rose for this Summer : Malartic Lagravière rosé 2008, available from March 2009 from us and all good wine stores, retail price in France 8.25 Euros (including VAT).
Gracia 1997 : no flavors of vegetal, still young and rich. This proves that even in a lesser vintage, work pays off (garage or not).
Cheval Blanc 1998, noted between 93 and 98 points by Parker, 97or 98 by Neal Martin, 98 by the Wine Spectator and 16 by Jancis Robinson. This wine was youthful, the Cabernet Franc was first a bit shy, but then expressed it’s full capacity. A very fine wine, one of the best from the vintage – Valandraud, of course, more decadent, evolved. It would be a good idea to taste them side by side today and in 10 years!
Cornélie 2006, a good and serious Medoc, still a bit closed.
3 de Valandraud 2002, modern, easy to drink, almost a wine to quench your thirst !
Virginie de Valandraud 2004, very good to drink now despite the vintage which was a bit austere in Valandraud. We only have 44 magnums left!
Quinault L’Enclos 2006, very good wine produced by our friend Alain Raynaud. The quality-price ratio is very good, as François Mauss would say
Good Yquem 1986, old style Yquem, I find the last vintages lighter and purer. Question of taste.
Our 2008 will be superb. The ripeness of the fruit is almost decadent, with freshness from the vintage as counter-point. In the following years, we will know how and why the quality is present in a vintage which had such a difficult start. This will certainly challenge the preconceived notions of what constitutes a good vintage in Bordeaux. Will it be the year where smart amateurs will finally be able to buy a great Bordeaux vintage without ruining themselves? Will we rediscover the joy of making good deals? We will know in a few months…
Little business info : Chic rose for this Summer : Malartic Lagravière rosé 2008, available from March 2009 from us and all good wine stores, retail price in France 8.25 Euros (including VAT).
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