Hi all,

Bordeaux en Primeur campaign 2008 has really gained momentum.

The last couple of weeks have been fascinating if you like Bordeaux and like to bag a bargain. Following on from the tips dished out in the En Primeur blog a couple of weeks ago you might be interested to know the vintage continues to be re rated upwards in line with my predictions with many of the 2nd release prices have come out and at markerdly higher prices. 

Why have some of the en primeur prices moved up so markedly with Château Lafite doubling?

The reason being that the famed Mr Parker has eulogised on this vintage and issued some very high ratings. So if you are thinking of laying down a cellar do do a bit of research into this vintage. I have managed to bag a few cases for myself and although the wine won't be delivered until mid 2011 it's nice to have something to look forward to.Note, see this more as an opportunity to build up an exciting wine collection rather than make money as it is very hard to re sell wine.

A hot date for your diary - Friday 29th May

Geoff Schrappel owner of Bethany wines will be in Dublin this coming Friday and will be conducting a free tasting of his highly rated wines at the O'Briens superstore in Beacon South Quarter in Sandyford. Geoff is known as the Baron of the Barossa Valley in South Australia and is famed for his great Shirazes,

If you are interested just e-mail cora-jane@obrienswines to reserve your place.

Interested in becoming wine savvy without spending a fortune?

O'Briens has launched a series of wine courses - charging €39.99 for a 4 week course to include course material and the tasting of 6 wines during each class. This could be the perfect opportunity to develop your wine lingo, have a bit of fun and make some new friends. Most other courses around town seem to weigh in at €150+

A great red wine for this weekend if you haven't headed over to Scotland!

Just did the San Felice il Grigio Chianti Classico Riserva 2005 (€17.99 - O'Briens) on TV3 this morning - it's simply brilliant Sangiovese. This wine was rated 'Outstanding' by the Wine Spectator - and was awarded a gold at the Sommelier ratings in London two months ago. Drinking wonderfully now it will cellar for a further 5 years. Excellente!