Rhône en primeurs

Irish wine-lovers will be familiar with the idea of buying Bordeaux, but it is possible to forward-buy wines from other regions…

Irish wine-lovers will be familiar with the idea of buying Bordeaux, but it is possible to forward-buy wines from other regions, too. The customer pays for the wine up-front, and the remaining charges of duty, shipping and VAT at a later date. As the wines below are being shipped in March 2009, you won’t have to wait too long.

As noted in this column earlier this year, the Rhône Valley had an exceptional vintage in 2007, making for perfectly balanced wines with a great concentration of ripe fruit, backed up by a good structure. Berry Brothers Rudd has just launched a 2007 Rhône en primeur offer, which includes some of the finest names. Those interested in receiving the offer should contact Berry Brothers on 01-6773444.

Fine wine prices have taken a bit of a battering. However, for those who still have cash on hand, it may not be a bad time to invest. Berry Brothers runs a Cellar Plan programme for its clients, whereby an agreed amount is debited from your account each month, and then allocated to particular wines. As well as receiving a case of Bordeaux on joining, you will then get priority access to the most sought-after wines on their release. For further details of the Cellar Plan, call Ben Hawkins on 01-6773444.

John Wilson

John Wilson

John Wilson, a contributor to The Irish Times, is a wine critic