more than nice, I think. If you got burned by PC or any other failure-to-deliver, the fact that your exposure is cut in half is a good thing (as is the size of the operation behind the purchase). So far, using Total has been painless, and you can also get the OWC without the extra shipping charges if you want.
There are other reliable stores with which I would not hesitate to do business, e.g., MacArthur, Calvert Woodley, K&L
WineX was my main Bordeaux futures outlet for the 2000-2009 vintages (along with some from PC for a brief period), would be still if I bothered to buy that way any more (I’m backfilling these days). Never had any issues at all and they seemed to get the wines in early.
But WineX changed hands 5-6 years ago, right? Any more recent experiences?
I now use Total; competetive pricing and the 50% down is attractive.Through 2016, was using Gary’s, but they do not consistently offer futures, and, their customer service declined quite a bit in the 2015-2016 vintages with the loss of their primary Bordeaux guy. Back in the 80’s-90’s, I went with Central Wine Merchants; they no longer offer futures, however they do still buy, but essentially just put it on the shelf upon arrival at a cost only marginal above or competetive to the futures pricing; very fair. Order from MacArthurs periodically with excellent results. . Spec’s in Houston has An interesting program too, with good pricing right through their UGC tasting they host, which gives one a chance to taste them first (if in Houston!).