You will find that often the most cost-effective way of obtaining a fine wine is by taking advantage of the opening offer, which is often made while it is still maturing in barrel (known as 'en primeur') or at least prior to its arrival in the UK.  Purchased in case quantities at this stage, many wines are significantly less expensive than after shipping, and a number of rarities may be difficult to source at all at any other time.

Traditionally, this was the way to buy the classic wines of Bordeaux.  However, you can now reap the benefits of similar offers of wines from Burgundy, the Rhone Valley, elsewhere in France, as well as Italy, the Iberian Peninsula, the Americas, South Africa and Australasia.

For details of our current exciting offers, do contact Fine Wine Specialist Tom King on kingt@greatwesternwine.co.uk.

64 Days of Constant Sunshine - the Bordeaux Online Diary

Read about the exploits of Fine Wine Specialist and Fine Wine Sidekick in this year's Tasting Odyssey On The Banks Of The Gironde.