Latour makes a play
 

Having thought this out, I'm in favor of it! It'll annoy the middlemen, which may be a plus or minus depending on your situation. But in the end it's actually a big step forward in quality control.

they must have really deep pockets. good vintage latour takes 20-40 years to open up. they also will need a big cellar. i think it will also take a different supply chain, as cru clas vintage Bordeaux is shipped and sold in most countries in mixed lot. very expensive to ship one box of latour to china.

François Pinault a french billionare ownes the place.

Yes Pinault has very deep pockets....

I would however have the following observations to make:

a) 20 to 40 years to open up is in my opinion an important exaggeration, especially if you consider the last 10 years. Latour made in the 80s and the 90s is not a carbon copy of what is produced these days

b) I doubt that the Chateau is worried about logistic costs... buyers of Latour want their stuff, and I cant see them bot buying because FedEx or DHL or LaPoste Francaise will charge them a few hundred more to ship their favorite juice

c) as for Cellar size, remember there are secondary cellaring sites so its not that they would have to keep all the stuff in their "on premise" cellars should these not be large enough. Considering the value of these wines and modern racking technology, I don't think this will have an economic impact

d) regarding Quality Control, Im not sure I agree. Im quite sure that the Estate took quality control very seriously all these years during their use of the old scheme. Unless you think that under this new system Pinault would actually decide to not release the wines any given year because of a horribly bad vintage

Overall, I think this is a very smart move that could mark the start of a trend. I know of a good number of consumers that are very happy as many of the middlemen involved in the entire En Primeur deal are not exactly well liked (yes, that's an entire drama for another thread).

In any event, this will be a very interesting thing to see how it all plays out....

;)

i got caught in the disappearing wine/money on the futures about 20 years ago. had to do with a grocery wholesaler in michigan as i recall. i do not know how far down this new game will go, but i cannot imagine buying 4ths and 5ths on a released when ready basis. i have some 89's or 90's of mouton and latour. i wonder if they are ready??? drop by the next time you are in usa, and we will try them. i also still have those monster bottles (6 liter or so)of cab and malbec from catena zapata

If they are ready.....?

If I were you, I would suggest you check on the exact vintage(s) and start drinking sooner rather than later. I am not of the opinion that all vintages of the best French Juice will be at its prime after 20+ years..... then again, what the heck do I know....?