Following my explanation that the bordeaux prices I am giving are on the Place, not ex-chateau, I got a lesson this morning in how you really can't please everyone, no matter if you try to do the 'right thing'.
Until this year, I have published ex-chateau prices, because they are at least utterly consistent - the rules of the Place say that the chateau must sell at the same price to all negociants, whether they buy 10 or 10,000 cases. But merchants complained that was not a useful price, as their margins would be added and noone could buy those wines from bordeaux for the ex-chateau price.
So, this year, I listened and have been giving the merchant price. The 'official' price of the wines. And the complaints have just moved up a stage... overseas merchants complaining that those prices aren't useful to publish, as they are not final consumer prices.
However, this is where I find it hard to agree, as a journalist, with their requests. The chateaux can recommend onward selling prices, which I have given, but can't control the final price in UK, India, Hong Kong etc, as the tax, commissions, transport, storage etc etc prices differ so widely.
Should I give a recommended retail price in France, and stick with that? Very difficult!
