Got my latest Rochambeau newsletter a couple day ago. Full page
editorial, stating essentially that they're disgusted with 2005 Bdx
price manipulations based on the scoring by "certain writers," etc
(hmmm...wonder who that could be). Consequently, they're refusing to
sell any 2005 Bdx futures.

They're up your way, Dale. Heard anything more?

JJ

Life is complicated, others' motivations more so.

I've had this discussion with Jeff W, the manager at Rochambeau. I get
along well with both Jeff and Dieter, the store owner. Very good store,
despite a couple of PR missteps. The other factor is for past 15 years
(till after 2003 futures campaign) Alan Marshok was Bdx buyer, till he
left maybe 2 years ago. So how much is disgust and how much is business
happenstance? Since Alan left the store is much more oriented towards
California PNs, cult cabs, etc. It's sometimes hard to separate my
expediency from my ideals, even harder with others.

Futures are always a gamble, no matter what anyone says (when store
owner says "they'll double by release", don't you wonder why he isn't
mortgaging house rather than selling to us?). And of course there are
external factors (general economy, next harvest, currency) that can
have great effects.

My personal bet is those who bought the seconds/thirds that had HUGE
price increases and very good (but not absolute top) scores will regret
it (think Palmer). Most people who bought firsts early will be ok
(except Mouton). Most of the lesser wines didn't have huge price
increases, and I doubt anyone there takes a bath. I stuck to mostly
lower end stuff, the only things I bought over $30 were
Beausejour-Duffau ($70), du Tertre ($35), and Rouget ($34).

cheers!


wrote:
> Got my latest Rochambeau newsletter a couple day ago. Full page
> editorial, stating essentially that they're disgusted with 2005 Bdx
> price manipulations based on the scoring by "certain writers," etc
> (hmmm...wonder who that could be). Consequently, they're refusing to
> sell any 2005 Bdx futures.
>
> They're up your way, Dale. Heard anything more?
>
> JJ

DaleW wrote:

> My personal bet is those who bought the seconds/thirds that had HUGE
> price increases and very good (but not absolute top) scores will regret
> it (think Palmer). Most people who bought firsts early will be ok
> (except Mouton). Most of the lesser wines didn't have huge price
> increases, and I doubt anyone there takes a bath. I stuck to mostly
> lower end stuff, the only things I bought over $30 were
> Beausejour-Duffau ($70), du Tertre ($35), and Rouget ($34).

Spendthrift! ;-) The most expensive '05 I went in for was Grand Corbin
Despagne at $25. I regret not having gone in for the du Tertre, though.


Mark Lipton