Best online auction source for "back-filling" Bordeaux?

I’ve often cursed the fact that I got into this wine hobby about 10 years too late. [cry.gif]

I missed the days of reasonably priced Bordeaux but have heard many state that back-filling recent under-hyped vintages is the next best thing.

I have bought a few things off Winebid but the 17% sellers premium and shipping costs kill any supposed savings.

A search on this board revealed that many recommend K & L but they cannot ship to CT.

Is there a better online auction source for purchasing mature, or at least somewhat aged, bordeaux?(preferably one in the Northeast to limit shipping costs)

Other strategies other than Wine Searcher Pro?

Thanks

There is no way to avoid auction fees - just make sure to include them in your total bottle cost as you decide what to bid.

There are many large auction houses based in NY - Zachys, Wally’s, Acker all have frequent auctions and there’s a ton of Bordeaux available. Bonhams, Sotheby and Christie also auction wine in NY but have fewer good deals.

You weren’t born too late - there is so much good wine available now that the ‘older stuff’ - if you love it - is often lower priced than recent ‘great’ vintages.

Not located in the Northeast but very great to work with = Hart Davis Hart, they are located in Chicago, Ive been to there facility and it is top notch. Everything I have bought there has been in great condition.

If you are ever in western Mass for a weekend, Table & Vine is a worth a visit. Or at least it was when I used to live in the metro NYC area.

They keep their store quite cold (so bring a sweater) and may have back vintages available still.

You wouldn’t have to pay shipping (I don’t think they even ship out of state to begin with) and IIRC Mass treats wine as a food item, so no sales tax.

Another path to try might to see if there folks in your region, or tasting group, who might want to split lots with you. Sometimes lots might not get well bid for the rational reason that people might not want 12 of something, especially if its an oddball or off vintage or mixed lot, but if you only were on the hook for 3-4 of that, it might be worth stepping up.

Also sometimes we share bdx deals on the bwe board on this long running thread

http://www.bordeauxwineenthusiasts.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5928

Some posters there were picking up 02 Palmer and 02 Cos for ~$40 each recently.

Great. Thanks for the leads.

Now, just need to convince my wife to increase the wine budget!

If not for these damn taxes… [swearing.gif]

Look into the Zachys monthly internet auction

If you work in NY you can have K & L ship to your office. Or if you have any friends who live in Jersey you can ask them to receive them for you. I do not do it often but sometimes they do have good stuff.

I have K&L and some other West Coast wineries / sellers ship to Portland Wine Storage, who then conglomerate it all and forward it to me. It costs a little more than one step shipping but not much, and it opens up access to a LOT of places that otherwise I couldn’t shop at.