Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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Traditionally, there have been three powerful reasons for investing in wine. First, there is the stunning return on capital from the first growths of the leading Bordeaux houses. Second, there is the portfolio diversification benefit because of the near-zero correlation with debt and equity markets. And third, for British investors there is the fiscal rule that wine is treated as a wasting asset by the Inland Revenue and therefore not subject to capital gains tax. Now another factor can be added to the mix: the momentum from the wealth creators and affluent middle classes in Russia and Asia. For this reason, there has been a surge of private banks, wealth managers, hedge funds and asset management groups recommending wine investment to the high-net-worth clients... In the past 15 months the market has gone up between 25 and 45 per cent.
Christopher Silvester, (Evening Standard) 12 March 2008
Introduction
Arguably, there has never been a better time to start dealing, prices are high, supply is low and wine has rarely been seen as such a hot investment.
Guy Woodward (The Observer) 23 July 2007
It is usually better to store the wine in a professional cellar, known as a bonded warehouse. The added advantage is that wine stored in this way is exempt from duty and local taxes.
Judith Prescott (The Sunday Times) 14 October 2001
Years ago, those born with a silver spoon in their mouth, were those whose father or godfather had bought them a case or two of vintage fine wine as a christening present, handed over with much aplomb on the childs 21st birthday. Today, more people know and drink wine, and so selecting wine, whether for laying down or drinking, is no longer considered to be a pursuit for experts. For centuries wine lovers have stored and bedded down wine in anticipation of consumption when it reaches its optimum drinking age. Another reason for this exercise is to purchase wine whilst modestly priced, before it matures and the prices increase. It is now common knowledge, the longer one holds onto wine and as the availability decreases, the prices rise and, of course, the better the wine tastes as it reaches its optimum drinking age. This is a concept we are all familiar with, one that is also used by many investors in alternative markets to achieve financial gain.
17 September 2000 Demand Alicia Wyllie (The Sunday Times) 24 November 2002 was expected Pay attention to the whims of American journalist Robto be muted due to ert Parker, who gives wines the economic recession, a score out of 100. Smita Talati (Evening Standard) the drop in the value of Sterling 14 July 1999 against the Euro and forecast of an ordinary vintage... Now, however, after Mr. Parker has issued such generous ratings, British wine traders are expecting that prices of wines such as Chteau Ptrus and Chteau Ducru Beaucaillou, will soar... Prices for a case of Chteau Lafite Rothschild were trading at 3,200 by the end of the week after Mr. Parker gave it a score in a range of 98-100 out of 100, up from 2,000 at the start of the week... Sudden economic concerns are out the window... the investment wine market is showing a hint of confidence.
The key to success is the choice of wines. Experts say that the top Bordeaux first growth wines, such as Lafite Rothschild, Latour and Haut Brion, are the safest bets.
Take advice from people in the industry. Buy the best, in the best vintages. Stick to first and super second growth Bordeaux
Christopher Burr (The Independent)
The Success of wine as an investment is mainly down to scarcity the market focuses its attention on the top 20 or so chateaux of Bordeaux and wines from this region have quantity limits in place each year. Moreover, supply is ever diminishing as they are being consumed. For consistent performers, the first growths of Bordeaux are the driving force behind the sector. Lafite-Rothschild, Mouton-Rothschild, Latour, Margaux and Haut Brion. For first-time investors, Bordeaux wines are the equivalent of the FTSE 100 blue chip companies and are a good place to start.
The Independent, Sunday 11 April 2010
Any wine lover will tell you that wine is to be drunk and enjoyed. We at Bordeaux Wine Company certainly agree for the most part, but even the most romantic wine lover will tell you that the best wines now command the same respect and admiration as works of art. Combining business with pleasure can be a fine balance but with wine we feel its a worthwhile venture, one we enjoy greatly and you can too! Arlene A King, Head Wine Buyer, Bordeaux Wine Company
Bordeaux
The Wine Bordeaux is situated in an almost-perfect viticultural region on the west coast of France and benefits from the ultimate marketing tool the Chteaubased classification system that was established almost 150 years ago. Bordeaux is home to the worlds greatest wines, thanks to the combination of unique landscape and 1000 years of winemaking experience. Bordeaux has over 118,000 hectares of vines, more than in the whole of Australia. The diverse soil types, from clay to gravel and limestone, are ideally suited to growing the regions seven different grape varieties, which include the world-renowned Cabernet family, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc which were all originally born in Bordeaux. Through local skill, perfected over centuries and the innovation of todays growers, the blending of these varieties create a range of wines unparalleled in their quality and diversity. There is something for all palates. Whether you are getting together with friends, enjoying the sun on a summers day, or simply unwinding in the bath at the end of a hard day, Bordeaux can provide the perfect blend.
The History Bordeaux, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Acquitaine was once populated by Romans, and for 300 years was also occupied by the British, who have continued to worship its wines ever since. Bordeaux reds or Clarets, as the British call them, have remained the most popular wine despite political upheavals and Anglo-French wars. It kept the European smuggling fraternity busy during the late 18th and 19th centuries. Such Chteaux as Lafite and Margaux began producing wine in the 17th century and are considered to be amongst the best wines in the world today. Wine production in Bordeaux is governed by strict regulations known as The Appellation Laws or AOC (Appellation dOrigine Controle). Introduced to control the quality and production of its most prized export, these laws are very strict, not allowing the Chteaux to increase in size or graft from vines from other regions, keeping their wines rare and ensuring a continual diminishing supply. In 1855 Napoleon III introduced what is known today simply as The Classification, putting all the wines into a classification system on the grounds of quality. These ranks are known as Growths, with the 1st Growth (Premier Grand Cru Classe;) being the highest honour and 5th Growth the lowest. The Classification is still upheld today by The Appellation Controle laws and supported by the EC regulations.
Fine wine is of a limited nature, so where there is an increase in demand the prices rise fast and people of course drink wine, so stocks are continually depleting unlike art and antiques which will always be available. Nuala Araby, Senior Portfolio Manager, Bordeaux Wine Company
Any wine you buy for investment needs a good reputation and long track record of success. Carolyn Holmes, Senior Wine Specialist at Christies
I hate to think of wine being thought of primarily as an investment, but the worlds finest wines do appreciate significantly in value, and it would be foolish to ignore the fact that more and more shrewd investors are looking at wine as a way of making money. Robert Parker Jnr.
Robert parker is the most followed and intellectual critic for French wine in the entire world.
President Jaques Chirac
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Fine Wine Investment Portfolio FTSE 100 NX Nikkei 300 Stock Average
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The bar chart above shows how the First Growth wines, grouped together, have increased in each vintage since release to April 2010. In the previous decade the First Growth wines, grouped together showed the following increases in each vintage between August 1991 and January 2000: 1982 323%, 1983 250%, 1985 277%, 1986 260%, 1988 173%, 1989 246%, 1990 510%.
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The value of Bordeaux wines bought at auction rose by an average of 198 per cent between 1996 and 2009. The best, premier cru, was up 447 per cent. The Times, Saturday 3 April 2010
Historically. The long-term success of fine wine as an asset class is difficult to argue with. In the past five years the Live-Ex Index has increased by 166 per cent, beating all the major share indices, including the FTSE 100 and the S&P 500. Recently the market has been dominated by the wines of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, which have been marching upwards in price. A case of 2004 Lafite cost 2,150 but will go for 5,250 per case today. The Independent, Sunday 11 April 2010
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Below are performance figures of some of our recommendations, made within the last eight years: 1-5 Years Growth
WINES Purchased from BWC Unit price 2010 Market price % increase Period of growth
Lafite-Rothschild 2008 Lafite-Rothschild 2000 Lafite-Rothschild 1998 Mouton-Rothschild 1996 Mouton-Rothschild 2003 Lafite-Rothschild 2005 Ausone 2003 Lafite-Rothschild 2003 Latour 2003
6+ Years Growth
WINES Purchased from BWC Unit price 2010 Market price % increase Period of growth
Haut-Brion 2000 Latour 2000 Carruades de Lafite 2003 Lafite-Rothschild 1996 Latour 1996 Cheval Blanc 2000 Lafite-Rothschild 2000 Margaux 2000 Lafite-Rothschild 2001 Lafite-Rothschild 2002 Latour 2002 Margaux 2002
2004 2004 2004 2003 2003 2003 2003 2003 2003 2003 2003 2003
2,800 3,352 337 2,680 2,244 3,520 3,176 3,184 990 800 920 800
5,400 8,500 2,350 10,150 6,400 7,500 17,800 7,500 5,750 5,750 3,100 2,500
93% 154% 597% 279% 185% 113% 460% 136% 481% 619% 237% 213%
6 years 6 years 6 years 7 years 7 years 7 years 7 years 7 years 7 years 7 years 7 years 7 years
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Client Testimonials
5th June 2009 I have been a client of BWC since 2004 and have been very happy with the service they have offered. The advice has always been well founded and the results achieved through my portfolio have outperformed my stock and shares during the same time period. My portfolio has grown in size and value mainly through advice in trading up wines in one vintage or chateau for better valued wines. This sound advice makes me happy to recommend BWC to anyone thinking of investing in fine wines. Mr. P. M. Taylor 11th June 2009 I have been dealing with The Bordeaux Wine Company for some five years. They have always offered authoritative and very helpful advice, and have purchased and sold wines of various vintages on my behalf in this time. My investment through The Bordeaux Wine Company has proved safer than either property or the stock market. In the current economic climate, I wish that my holding of wine in bond through them could have been larger. I am very pleased with the efficient and profitable service which they offer. Yours faithfully Mr. P. J. E. Gaffney 8th June 2009 For the last 6 years the Bordeaux Wine Company has been trading in fine wines on my behalf. With expert guidance and sound advice from Denise Williams, my contact at BWC, we have achieved very satisfactory financial results. Mr. F. J. Meikle 16th June 2009 I have been a client of BWC since late 2003. In that time I have found the staff to be courteous and knowledgeable. Paperwork is handled efficiently, and the occasional query is always responded to promptly. Any changes of procedure (storage facilities for example) are clearly explained in advance. I have now started to realise some of my early investments: like any class of investment a few purchases have languished, some have realised a solid profit, while several have made substantial gains. Overall my portfolios performance to date has exceeded the returns I would have obtained from a broad stock market investment, or a cash deposit. Mr. I. R. Tovey 4th June 2009 I have dealt with BWC for very many years and find that they are a company that I can trust, and from whom I can always expect the best. When it comes to selling, never a problem with transaction being dealt with promptly, and they have always aimed at getting the highest profit for me. Talking to the ladies, Nuala and Denise on the telephone is always a pleasure. After all of these years I feel as if I know them personally. Their telephone manner is second to none, being always friendly, polite and extremely helpful. This is a company that I would sincerely recommend. Mr. L. L. Jones 11th March 2009 I have used the Bordeaux Wine Co. to purchase good wine for several years. I have found them gracious, efficient and always helpful. My money has been safe and increased in value. Dr. C. Donovan 6th March 2009 I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your assistance in establishing my exceptional Bordeaux Wine investment portfolio since joining you in 2004. I have been particularly impressed by the professional services, knowledge, advice and assistance provided by my account manager Denise Williams. I have to say that, in the midst of a collapsing equities market, the circumstances for my investments have been generally very satisfyingly profitable and tax-free. Likewise, when it has been appropriate for me to sell stock held in bond, I have been grateful for the sound and extensive assistance provided by Arlene King who has ensured a safe, expeditious and trouble-free conclusion to the sales. Altogether a most enjoyable experience. Thank you once again With best regards Mr. M. Bonsier 9th March 2009 Dear Denise, Just a note to say thank you for all your help you have given me these past few years. Yours sincerely Mr. J. Hall
Investment Plan A
Purchase Written confirmation of orders will be issued together with an invoice prior to payment. Upon receipt of full payment into our bank account, we will purchase the wine from our suppliers as soon as is reasonably possible, if not already purchased and subject to the other provisions of these conditions, within 60 days of receipt. Quantity Quantity is agreed prior to sale and confirmed by invoice after sale agreement. All bottles are standard 75cl (750 ml) bottles, unless otherwise stated. Payment All payments are due within seven days of invoice date, unless otherwise agreed prior to sale. We reserve the right to cancel unpaid orders at any time after their due date. Certificate of Ownership Certificate of Ownership for bottled wines to be held under bond will be issued, complete with rotation numbers generated by the Government-Regulated bonded warehouse. En primeur Allocation-confirmation certificates will be issued within 28 days of receipt of full payment into our bank account. Once bottled and received by the warehouse, a certificate of ownership will be issued as above. Storage & Insurance Five years storage and insurance will be provided with each In Bond purchase. Storage and insurance charges will become the responsibility of the client after this period and will be charged at the prevailing rate of the warehouse at which the wine is being held. Delivery Bottled wines to be held by clients will be delivered free of charge to an agreed address in the United Kingdom, within thirty days of sale completion. Deliveries outside of the United Kingdom will be subject to charge. Price All prices are quoted in Pounds Sterling unless stated otherwise. All invoices shall be made and settled in Pounds Sterling unless agreed prior to sale. In Bond price includes a three percent management fee as a fixed rate annual charge for the first five years in advance. The total management fee is therefore fifteen percent to cover administration, bond transfers, storage and insurance for five years. At no time do we claim to sell the wine at the market-price, our prices are determined in-house and therefore the same wine may be found cheaper or more expensive elsewhere. Re-Sale & Commission We levi a five percent commission charge on profits achieved beyond the unit cost of your wine (excluding initial management fees) as detailed in the purchase invoice, for assisting in the re-sale of your wine. Additional expenses however, maybe incurred if the wine is sold via a third party such as an auction house. Prior to any sale, we will agree with you a minimum or reserve price you will accept. Clients are under no obligation to sell their wine through us. If you choose to re-sell your wine through another merchant or trader, we will invoice for five percent of profits achieved as detailed above. On-going Management Fees Should you choose to hold on to the wines for longer than the five years an on-going management fee of three percent of the current market value at the time minus the initial advance management fee of fifteen percent will be due annually until re-sale. Re-sale commission as detailed above will still be due once the wine is sold. Consumer Protection In accordance with The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulation 2000, cancellation of orders must be made in writing and may be made at any time up until the close of business on the seventh working day after your funds have been received into our bank account. Force Majeure We shall not be held liable for any failure to meet our obligations occasioned by circumstances beyond our control. Governing Law The agreement between The Bordeaux Wine Co partnership and the client are made under English Law and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.
Final Thoughts
If you have never considered this market before, no doubt there will be a few questions you wish to ask, such as: 1 Which wine should I buy and why? 2 How do I buy the wine? 3 How or where do I store and insure the wine? 4 How and where do I sell? 5 What costs do I incur? Bordeaux Wine Company will handle each of these areas for you, making it as easy and as trouble-free as possible. Also, you can further research the market at the following web sites and publications: www.erobertparker.com, www.wine-searcher.com, www.liv-ex.com, Decanter and The Wine Spectator magazines.
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7-11 Cavendish Place, London W1G 0QD Switchboard +44 (0) 20 7291 3600 Facsmile +44 (0) 20 7291 3601 info@bordeauxwinecompany.com www.bordeauxwinecompany.com All Rights Reserved 2009