First-Growth Bordeaux - How to dispose?
Jan 9, 2012 | 2:00 pm
#1
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First-Growth Bordeaux - How to dispose?
Right, I know the obvious answer is "drink it" but I've ended up with more of this than I will ever drink, and it's taking up too much room in my (small) cellar. It's mostly early 2000s vintages, Latour and Lafite. A few are from the 1990s and a couple from the 1970s. I also have some Ptrus and several different vintages of Leoville-Barton.
Thanks to the Johnnie Walker Double Black thread I have just learned that vendors are now selling scotch whisky on eBay via the pretense that it's the 'collectible bottles' which confer the value. It's not: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...All-Categories
Anyway eBay prohibits wine selling, even with the same disclaimers it requires for hard liquor. I know there are auction sites but the commissions are generally colossal. Any advice? TIA.
Thanks to the Johnnie Walker Double Black thread I have just learned that vendors are now selling scotch whisky on eBay via the pretense that it's the 'collectible bottles' which confer the value. It's not: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...All-Categories
Anyway eBay prohibits wine selling, even with the same disclaimers it requires for hard liquor. I know there are auction sites but the commissions are generally colossal. Any advice? TIA.
Jan 9, 2012 | 2:13 pm
#2
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I've bought a lot of stuff from Benchmark Wine that came from other's cellars. I have never sold them anything, but I've been quite happy with the stuff I've bought.
I've no clue if they pay a decent amount or not, but do know that everything I've received has been in excellent shape, so they may be pretty picky on bottle condition, storage, etc.
http://www.benchmarkwine.com/
I've no clue if they pay a decent amount or not, but do know that everything I've received has been in excellent shape, so they may be pretty picky on bottle condition, storage, etc.
http://www.benchmarkwine.com/
Jan 9, 2012 | 2:34 pm
#3
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Thanks very much, I will check them out now.
I've always been mystified as to how condition can be verified before opening. My cellar is carefully climate-controlled with backup power even but how can anyone know where a given bottle has been and under what conditions it's been kept (not to mention transported)? Mystified! And one reason I'd be loath to spend several thousand dollars for a bottle of anything.
I've always been mystified as to how condition can be verified before opening. My cellar is carefully climate-controlled with backup power even but how can anyone know where a given bottle has been and under what conditions it's been kept (not to mention transported)? Mystified! And one reason I'd be loath to spend several thousand dollars for a bottle of anything.
Jan 9, 2012 | 4:00 pm
#4
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If you provide me with your address, I would be happy to dispose of any 1st Growth Bordeaux for you, for no charge, and at my own expense.
I would even be willing to dispose some of the better 2nd Growths under the same terms.
Actually, all kidding aside, you can sell wines of this caliber through the Butterfield and Butterfield auction house.
Edit: FYI, Butterfields was acquired by the British auction house Bonhams, so they are now known as Bonhams and Butterfields.
Here is a link to their wine department. I have sold wines through them prior to their acquisition by Bonhams.
http://www.bonhams.com/usa/wineusa/
I would even be willing to dispose some of the better 2nd Growths under the same terms.
Actually, all kidding aside, you can sell wines of this caliber through the Butterfield and Butterfield auction house.
Edit: FYI, Butterfields was acquired by the British auction house Bonhams, so they are now known as Bonhams and Butterfields.
Here is a link to their wine department. I have sold wines through them prior to their acquisition by Bonhams.
http://www.bonhams.com/usa/wineusa/
Last edited by DJGMaster1; Jan 10, 2012 at 10:40 am Reason: New information added to post
Jan 10, 2012 | 7:31 pm
#5
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Wow thanks, fascinating links although I'm not sure that I have the critical mass to justify auction entries. I'm an old-car nut and know Bonhams well for their classic-auto auctions! Appreciate the info anyway!
Auctions are so very good for the auction house! 25% charged to buyers and 15% to sellers. What's not to love?!
Auctions are so very good for the auction house! 25% charged to buyers and 15% to sellers. What's not to love?!
Jan 10, 2012 | 7:39 pm
#6
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While researching a 'collectible' Johnny Walker bottle, it seems the wine connoisseur forums are packed with people wanting to pick up a good deal. YMMV but it may offer a better option than paying the extortionate auction fees.
Jan 10, 2012 | 9:05 pm
#7
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Wow thanks, fascinating links although I'm not sure that I have the critical mass to justify auction entries. I'm an old-car nut and know Bonhams well for their classic-auto auctions! Appreciate the info anyway!
Auctions are so very good for the auction house! 25% charged to buyers and 15% to sellers. What's not to love?!
Auctions are so very good for the auction house! 25% charged to buyers and 15% to sellers. What's not to love?!
Last edited by DJGMaster1; Jan 10, 2012 at 9:13 pm
Jan 10, 2012 | 9:44 pm
#8
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Jan 13, 2012 | 1:29 pm
#9
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You can auction it. Zachys and Hart Davis Hart are two big wine auction houses.
As an aside, anyone who hasn't been to a wine auction and likes wine should go. It's usually $50-100, includes lunch and tastings of many fine old wines, and it's fun to watch the bidding.
If you're not interested in paying the auctioneer's fees, I have a friend from high school who is a serious collector and may be interested in buying. PM me if interested.
As an aside, anyone who hasn't been to a wine auction and likes wine should go. It's usually $50-100, includes lunch and tastings of many fine old wines, and it's fun to watch the bidding.
If you're not interested in paying the auctioneer's fees, I have a friend from high school who is a serious collector and may be interested in buying. PM me if interested.
Last edited by gfunkdave; Jan 13, 2012 at 1:35 pm
Jan 23, 2012 | 10:15 pm
#12
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Try making an informal arrangement with a local wine shop, merchant, or restaurant to sell it on consignment. This depends of course on your local laws and the presence of potential clientele in your town. A restaurant would be the best situation for you, as they can make a handsome profit without requiring you to sell it to them at a loss. Many restaurants with impressive wine lists (or pretenders to the throne) would like the resume padding or cellar window-dressing that 1st-growth Bordeaux can provide, even if it's a tough sell.
Jan 30, 2012 | 7:28 am
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