Purchasing Information



You must be at least the age of 21 to buy and receive alcoholic beverages.


Placing an Order
While we prefer orders to be placed by telephone, we also accept requests by email or fax.   Before ordering please read our terms and conditions policies.  When placing a request please include, your name, address, and email or phone number.

Sales@EuropeanWineResource.com
Tele: 510.234.EURO (3876)
Fax: 510.234.3875

Processing
All items are subject to availability.  Orders placed with EWR are received in the form of a request and must be confirmed before they can be processed.  Once a request has been placed, our staff must verify the quantity and condition prior to shipment.  The customer will then be sent a confirmation within 48 business hours.  At that time, the order can be processed upon the customer’s approval of the total purchase price, method of shipment, delivery and insurance charges, and applicable taxes.  All orders must be paid in full prior to shipment.  Payments can be made by wire transfer, certified check, or by major credit card.  Personal checks may also be accepted from qualified customers.

Additional Purchasing Information and Special Features for our Customers
Digital Imaging
We strive to earn the faith of our customers and aspire to be the most reliable source for rare wine on the Internet. If you are concerned about the authenticity and integrity of your purchase, EWR can provide digital images of the wine to ensure satisfaction prior to the sale.
 
Maintaining the Authenticity of Your Wine                           
The principals of EWR are also collectors, so we understand that the appearance and condition of one’s collection is important.  Many collectors enjoy storing their wine in their original containers.  In many cases we can provide these containers, for the majority of our inventory is stored in this way.  When possible, we are happy to send them to you upon purchases by the case.  However, these containers must be shipped separately for a small fee, as they are typically not designed to safely transport wine.

 

MAILING LIST AND SPECIAL OFFERS

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NEWS

Divine Vintages

I have often noted that great vintages often occur in 3s (which is a divine number). With a few minor exceptions, they are [1926, 1928 and 1929], [1947, 1948 and 1949], [1952, 1953 and 1955],  [1959, 1961, and 1962], and [1988, 1989 and 1990]. Those of us who have had the privilege of tasting these wines would agree that they are, in fact, divine, but what about now. I would argue that 2003, 2004 and 2005 is just another example of a wine divinity.

The 2003 Bordeaux vintage was a headliner. France experienced a heat-wave during the growing season that rivaled 1947, 1953 and 1961. It was punctuated by an oven-hot August and one of the earliest harvests on record. Modern temperature controlled fermentation tanks and a severe selection process ensured that this would remain a profound, if not monumental, vintage. The huge cash infusion that the Bordeaux wine making establishment had enjoyed since the 1980s (often credited to Robert Parker) had paid off. The Bordelais had the equipment and the knowledge to master the most challenging harvest. Surprisingly, the wines do not suffer from low acidity. The wines originating from the left bank, however, frequently display super-ripe characteristics. As is always the case, Merlot suffers under torrid growing conditions. Thus, the right bank wines were less tannic and more forward, albeit less impressive than the wines from the left bank.

Then came the more subdued, quietly elegant, 2004 vintage.  In spite of being over-shadowed by the 2003 and 2005 vintages, the red wines of 2004 display a more classic Bordeaux style (which I have longed for). The wines display good acidity and tannin and are covered by a blanket of fruit. Thus, the wines are exceptionally well balanced. As the result of standing next to it's big brothers 2003 and 2005, the wines will remain under-rated for most of their life-span, but may present some excellent values.

Lastly, who would argue that the 2005 vintage is one of the greatest vintages of all time. I have never tasted more profound, remarkably extracted/penetrating wines; nor have I seen consistently higher scores or higher futures prices. There are obvious differences from commune to commune, but, as a whole, these wines are exceptional. As we walked from chateau to chateau during the en premier, we were overtaken by the number of superlatives we heard. The best growing conditions, the most uneventful harvest, the highest alcohols, the highest polyphenols (tannin) were things we heard regularly. Paul Pontallier, winemaker at the famous Château Margaux turned to the  IPT tannin index, as an example;  in 2000 it was 70, in 2003 it was 73 and in 2005 it was 78. Just to put that in perspective, in 1982, it was between 62 and 63.

Ultimately, wine aficionados will make their selections based on personal preference. I enjoy wines with charm and elegance, but I can also appreciate the grace of well aged Bordeaux from a profound year. I have also benefited from owning cellar treasures that seem to accrue in value regardless of economic conditions. We recently received more than 350 cases of wine from the 2003, 2004 and 2005 vintages. They were purchased by us, en premier. We hope you will take advantage of this new offering and experience the divine nature of the 3.

EWR