Millésima US opens after 8-month delay

Almost eight months after its original scheduled opening, Millésima US finally opened its doors earlier this month.

The New York outpost of one of Europe’s largest fine wine mail order companies was due to open in time for the 2005 Bordeaux en primeur campaign, as the parent company – founded 1983 by Patrick Bernard – is based in Bordeaux.

Roger Bohmrich, one of the first Masters of Wine in North America and director of Milésima US, told decanter.com the delay has severely affected the company.

‘In the end, approval for our license from New York State took much longer than expected, and as a result, we will not immediately benefit from the driving force of the remarkable 2005 vintage. However, starting late in 2007 and into 2008, we will be in a strong position to profit from the market for the newly-released 2005s.’

In Europe, Millésima has over 50,000 customers, and they hope to repeat the successful formula in the US – by not only providing a wide range of Bordeaux, French and international wines, but also by becoming a destination retailer.

‘We are considering an event programme, a wine club, and other tactical ways to connect with fine wine consumers,’ Bohmrich said.

Written by Jane Anson