I cannot help but ask...
After making my first futures purchase ever on some '01 Sauternes/Barsacs and
seeing the prices rise dramatically (most notably Climens), I am curious about
whether or not to get into the '03 futures market while on the first tranche.
It looks like the sweeties from this vintage are being met with pretty high
praise from many sources. Are people buying? Is it wise this time around?

I know that it is all speculative but I would like to draw a little information
from those that may have seen these types of "situations" in the past.

Thanks so much,
jason

Jason,

It depends on where you live and what the availability will be like after
the wine actually is released. In Alabma, we get such limited quantities
that if you didn't buy on futures you would probably be out of luck
(especially in a year like 2003). However, if you live in a major market
(NY, San Fran, Chicago, etc.) then the quantities available will probably
let you decide if you want to wait until they release.

The disadvantage to buying now on futures is that the dollar is so weak
against the Euro that if the situation improves over the next 2 years before
release, you will have paid more just because of exchange rates. So it's
really a gamble on that score, though I tend to believe that within 2 years
the dollar will be stronger....

And the short answer to your question is that I will be buying futures due
to the limited availability in my market plus my desire to keep my
collection strong in my favorites.

Cheers,
Gary