While there are a number of virtues of the smaller format, I have noticed that occasionally there is a cost advantage as well. I have found some instances where the cost of (2) 375ml come in less than the lowest cost 750ml (WS). Is this an example of market mispricing? Have others noticed this?
I’m always on the lookout for halfs, thru the years I’ve gotten some amazing deals.
I have never seen this, the smaller format has always been slightly pricier. However, I live in a market where the wine supply is largely controlled by a government retailer, so we don’t see many deals or interesting pricing.
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Ditto. 375s are almost never half the price of the same 750 in my long experience, and they are increasingly hard to obtain as restaurants snap them up – especially bordeaux unless you order futures in that format. Also, producers hate providing them as their cost to bottle a 375 is nearly has much as a 750, but they can’t charge the same, or at least not quite the same.
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I have seen this a few times, but it’s rare - and to your point, probably a mispricing situation. More commonly 375s seem to run about 2/3 of 750s. Other than BDX futures, of course, which are 1/2 or very close to it.
Most likely the 375s are on closeout.
Unfortunately, the costs to bottle 375s are prohibitive for most producers- The glass is way more expensive per ML of wine, the cork costs are 2x per bottle, label costs 2x per bottle, labor 2x, etc…
It is a bummer as a 375 can be the right amount some nights.
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Most likely the 375s are on closeout.
Unfortunately, the costs to bottle 375s are prohibitive for most producers- The glass is way more expensive per ML of wine, the cork costs are 2x per bottle, label costs 2x per bottle, labor 2x, etc…
It is a bummer as a 375 can be the right amount some nights.
By this logic shouldn’t magnums be cheaper? Or are they more labor?
With mags the glass is way more expensive per ML, the labor is higher / bottling is much slower, there are line change fees, storage is less efficient on pallets (costs more), etc.
Based on costs, 1.5Ls should run at least 10% more than two 750s.
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I love 375’s. If I see them anywhere near 50% of the 750 price I scoop them right up.
Yeah, I figure if the 375 is less than $5 more than 1/2 of a 750 it’s a reasonable difference. If it grows more than that I usually pass.
500 ml is an excellent size that is far too rare (for table wines) - good for two people for lunch and one for dinner.
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I have seen a few cases where retailers have 375s of recent vintage Bordeaux that accidentally remain at futures prices when the 750s get raised to current market rate.
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Very, very rare to find 2-375ml at less than the cost of a 750ml bottle. I’m thinking the only chance would be a closeout of some kind.
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I have seen many cases where 375ml are lower or about equivalent to the 750ml prices.
I don’t think I have ever seen a 375 for less than half of the 750.
I think you meant to say half, rather than 2X.
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Nice catch.
Big fan of 375s here. There is usually a small premium, and if the premium isn’t small I don’t buy. But yes occasionally you can find bargains on 375s, whether closeouts or simply wines that haven’t been repriced as the 750s get more expensive. I have basically stopped buying red wine in any other size.