It may be good news for Hong Kong now their government has abolished duty on all wine imports, but it is bad news for us connoisseurs here in Britain.  The Chancellor in his budget this week increased duty per bottle by 14p and 18p on champagne.  Sadly we have to pay more than the 3p per bottle on alcopops, which has been fuelling the binge drinking culture.  This is neither a fair, nor clever way of dealing with alcohol consumption. 

In any case we continue to offer more attractive deals from some of the best wines around.  The market continues to grow as demand for the great names and vintages surges on.  There is intense buying on 2005 Bordeaux now that they physically arriving into the country.  We also highly recommend some of the 2006s, which remain good value and will no doubt rise in price when they are reviewed next month. 

Last week we were in Chablis and Burgundy assessing the 2006 and some recent back vintages.  There are some truly classic wines in 2006 with the whites excelling most.  The white wines have some very pure expressions of fruit and minerality backed by fresh acidity and balanced finesse.  One has to be more selective with the reds as they are overshadowed by the powerful 2005s.  By comparisons, these pinots are pretty and aromatic. What they don’t have in weight they make up with sheer elegance and purity.  We have selected the better growers in the current list and also many fine back vintages. 

Some exciting new releases from the Rhone valley are on offer and these have attracted impressive ratings in Robert Parker’s latest Wine Advocate.  Champagne prices have risen sharply this last month as demand continues to grow in Asia and Russia.  The weak sterling has not helped but we have still found some wonderful lots of well-priced non-vintage and back vintages.  Please enquire should you need certain quantities. 

With the fluctuating markets, fine wine seems a safe harbour for investors.  We are happy to advise on this as well as wine for regular drinking.  It is exciting times like these where opportunities arise.  Besides buying directly from Domaines and agents, we also source from well-stored private cellars.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Guy Willings

Managing Director