Advice and others experiences

I’m looking for advice, others opinions and others experiences with buying Burgundy online. I’m looking for other places to purchase online. I have a few sources that I trust but am looking for more. Reputation and provenance are my main concern. Would love to hear from other Burgundy collectors. Thank you all for your help.

Luke Milton,

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Have you done any searches in the archives here?

This is a very common topic.

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I have not. Didn’t even cross my mind to be honest. I’ll definitely check it out though. Was only looking for others experiences and opinions.

The search function is a GREAT resource on a board like this.

I’ve already started using the archives. I really appreciate your advice. That should have been the first thing I did before posting.

Eh… disagree. Not using the search function is perfect berserker behavior. :berserker:

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I just wanted some advice from other collectors who have way more experience than me. Wanted to hear others thoughts and experiences. So many knowledgeable individuals on here.

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I feel like it’s a fair question - suitable topic for a sticky/wiki, even.

Burg is my #1 purchase wine-wise by volume. It’s a Balkanized buying experience because no one shop gets much of most producers that the cool kids chase. Still, there are many good options.

If you are ok with pre-arrival and waiting 3-10 months your options are much better.

Here are some I’ve used with good success, personally:

Liquid Culture/ Rob Panzer - His hit rate for introducing me to new producers at great prices is high (Audoin, Lafouge, H Magnien to name a few)

The Wine Club
Woodland Hills Wine
KL if they ship to your state

Occasional orders, good service
Larchmont and VINT: Not a lot of communication, but nice service when the bottles were ready to ship.
Grand Vin in Washington State
GRW: Pricy bottles, but good service
Benchmark Napa: The alerted me to moldy labels, asked if I still wanted them bottles and discounted $90/bottle

Many on this board buy at auction, but I don’t: ymmv

If you are buying big volume (like, pallets-worth), buy in Britain/France and have it shipped annually. That’s the best price, but its too much wine for me.

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Don’t forget about German Pinot (Spätburgunder)!

For Burgundy Crush is important and Lyle Fass at Fass Selections (DTC).

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if you buy in Burgundy, you can get Cotr D’Or Imports to ship to you and not have to buy by the palate or anywhere near that

Thanks Howard, I shall investigate! I need a new source of bottles like a hippo needs roller skates, but its good to research options. All in the name of science, you understand…

My new larger offsite, already full, says: :speak_no_evil: :see_no_evil:

@Dennis_Atick reports that Idealwine.com, an auction house (based in France I think?) is another decent option for buying on the continent and shipping to the U.S.

To the OP, If your town has the option, there is value in cultivating a relationship with a local shop or two where you live. Knowledgeable retailers that love wine helped me take my first baby steps and I try to spend some where I live. Yes, the bottles aren’t the sharpest price points as you’ll find online, but those relationships pay off occasionally with a “heads up” when special things arrive or a good tasting.

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When I visit wineries in Burgundy, Cote D’Or Imports is wonderful. If I buy 6 or more bottles from a winery, they will pick up the wine and I don’t have to pay VAT. Same things with wine stores there. Price at Cote D’Or Imports depends on how much wine I buy (aggregated from the various sources I purchase from) and often is less than or about equal to the savings on the VAT. I have on occasions bought wine from stores like the Caveau de Chassagne Montrachet from home and had Cote D’Or Imports pick the wine up and ship it to me.

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