Market Impressions

[Roy Hersh]

So as we enter 2011 ... do you generally see prices trending lower or starting to head up? I have noticed there are still some good deals around, but seemingly less than the past year or two. But you guys spend far more time shopping and checking out auctions than I do at this point. I am just sitting back and letting my bottles/cases age in my cellar as I have more than enough Ports to keep me happy for the rest of my days on earth. So I look to you guys for impressions on pricing as you are far more intuned to today's marketplace ... although i certainly do still pay attention to what is out there.

[Brian C.]

Wine in general is going lower. What this means for port and madeira, it's hard for me to say, as these are very specific and unique niches in the marketplace. I would think they would not be completely immune to the overall environment, though. Luxury items are taking a hit all around, and they represent a lagging economic indicator. Eventually they will recover, but I don't see it happening anytime soon, certainly not before the unemployment picture improves significantly.

[Moses Botbol]

Auctions have been no bargain for many months. Auction houses are starting off to high of a reserve for most port I have seen.

As for retailers, it looks like distributors that have been siting on port, have decided to move it at great prices. I think in MA, after new year there will be the best deals anyone has seen in a while! We are repealing at 6.5% sales tax to what is already some of the lowest booze prices in the world. NH Liquor stores will have to pull an ace out of the hat to compete now too.

Dow and Barros are the two brands I have seen the best deals on for port locally.

[Marc J.]

I'm in agreement with Moses on this one. Recently I really haven't seen the "deals" in the auction world that have pretty commonplace over the last year and a half. On the retail side it seems that prices are holding steady, athough I tend to think that I saw a slight uptick this fall.

[Eric Menchen]

+1 for Moses' take on auctions. I bought in three different auctions earlier in the year and got what I thought were good prices. After that I bid in several but was outbid. Since then I haven't even bid given the estimate ranges.

[Andy Velebil]

Seems pricing is all over the map recently at auctions. I've seen way overpriced lots at auction and I've seen way underpriced ones as well. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for it. I can theorize some people are desperate to sell and make money so are willing to sell at a lower price hoping for a quick sale, but that is a total guess.

What I haven't seen is retail pricing rising dramatically. Seems the poor economy is at least keeping things at par on the retail level.