Sales at AABALAT increased 50% versus March-April 2007 due to the 2005 Bordeaux demand. “We expected a short spike in sales,” commented Peter Parks, Manager of Operations of AABALAT Fine & Rare Wines, “which is common after scores are released, but we did not anticipate the continued frenzy of activity that has lasted over two months now.”
According to Robert Parker Jr.’s 2005 Bordeaux Review in Wine Advocate, “the dry growing season [and] warm conditions” in 2005 were the driving factor for the superior wine results. And it is no wonder investors are flocking to these wines as the high tannin levels, especially in the northern Medoc, make 2005 Bordeaux “age defying wines that could last up to 50+ years!”
“The influence of weather on vintage quality is so strong I have started watching weather reports like a stock broker reads the ticker tape,” said Bob Orlandi, owner of AABALAT Fine & Rare Wines. Wine Spectator’s James Suckling rated, in the March 2008 edition, 8 wines at a perfect 100 score and another 21 wines above a 96 score. This is extremely uncommon when you compare the results to the previous vintage ratings.
Another advantage for 2005 Bordeaux sales is the explosion of wine brokers and importers since 2000 that have made it relatively easy for retailers like AABALAT to access the high demand international wines. These sources compliment AABALAT’s direct import license, making their inventory breadth wider and more competitively priced than other retailers.
One drawback of the high demand is the unusually high bottle prices. AABALAT encourages their customers to buy futures, which are sold on their website at http://www.aabalat.com, to avoid the higher market prices.
About AABALAT Fine & Rare Wines:
AABALAT Fine & Rare Wines, founded in 1995, is a Petaluma, CA based internet wine retailer. Specializing in Bordeaux and Burgundy wines, AABALAT maintains a temperature-
Contact:
Karen Orlandi, VP Marketing
AABALAT Fine & Rare Wines
(707) 781-0619
http://www.aabalat.com
