1855.com fails to deliver top Bordeaux

Dozens of orders, mainly from the 2003 and 2005 Bordeaux vintages, have been left unfulfilled by internet wine merchant 1855.com.

Carruades: not delivered

There is also now growing evidence that the company is failing to deliver some 2007s.

Following complaints from readers, Decanter.com can reveal that there are over 55 cases known to be outstanding as of 15 December.

Although it appears only 18 bottles from 2006 are outstanding, eight cases of 2007 have not been delivered including six cases of 2007 Carruades de Lafite, for which five clients are waiting.

In June and July this year, 1855.com asked for a delivery charge of €58 per case on the Carruades, promising delivery within three weeks. Despite several subsequent promises of imminent delivery, the five clients are still waiting.

Carruades, the second wine of Chateau Lafite, has rocketed in price, mainly because of its popularity in China. In June 2008 1855.com offered it for €480 a case. The wine now costs more than €4,300 on the open market.

Fabien Hyon, COO of 1855.com, said the company had had ‘troubles processing all orders in due time’ but has promised that the six cases of 2007 Carruades will be delivered by the end of this month.

‘You can be sure these cases will be solved by 31 December 2010, as it is just matter of focus.’

Similar promises have been made before: in January 2009 1855.com’s founder and president, Emeric Sauty de Chalon, wrote to all customers expressing his regret at poor service and promising all outstanding orders would be fulfilled in the next few weeks.

If you have ordered wines from 1855.com, either leave a comment below or contact jim@investdrinks.org

Written by Jim Budd