Frequently Asked Questions

What is en primeur?

Or, as Americans call it, buying ‘wine futures’. This explains the term more clearly than the French expression. The idea is that you pay money now for wine that you will not receive for two or three years. Why? Because your wine is still maturing in barrel. But in another couple of years it might be more expensive or simply not available.

Six months after grapes have been picked and winemaking begun, producers in Bordeaux invite the wine world to taste the fledgling wines. The wines actually poured are blends of wines from different barrels, which represent more (or less) the blend of the final wine. Importers place their orders, journalists make their notes, and the wines are left to get on with the important process of maturation in barrel for another 12 to 18 months. When the winemakers judge the right moment has arrived, the final blends are decided and the wines are bottled.

How do I know these are genuine wines and my wine will be delivered?

We understand your concern as purchasing wine en primeur does require a high degree of trust in the organisation you are dealing with. We are all respected company directors who are personally committed to meeting our obligations to ShareACase.com customers. We will only be dealing with reputable and established wine merchants to purchase our wines and you will be kept fully informed at each stage of your wine purchase to give you the reassurance that everything is in order.

How can I contact you?

We will respond to all emails within 24 hours. However if there is anything specific you need to discuss and you want to talk to someone, we will arrange a callback for you at a convenient time.

What if I wish to purchase a particular Bordeaux wine en primeur that is not on the list?

We will add to the list of wines year by year, and expand our range depending on demand. For 2007 we are limiting our wines to the 30 Bordeaux that are listed here but would very keen to receive your feedback on what you would like to see on the ShareACase list for future years.

When do I need to place my order?

Orders for 2007 wines will be taken between 1st July 2008 and 1st October 2008. The last date to place an order will be 1st October 2008.

How do I pay?

Shareacase.com is affiliated to the Google Checkout System. Google is a global brand who have a proven record of securely processing payment. Due to our affiliation with Google Checkout sharecase.com does not collect or store your payment details. Please note that when wine is delivered into the UK for either storage or despatch to your delivery address, Excise Duty and VAT is payable and you will be invoiced separately. Excise Duty and VAT will be charges at the rate prevailing at time of delivery into the UK. At present UK duty is £1.46 per 75ml bottle. VAT is 17.5%.

Is there a charge for delivery of my wine?

The current charge for delivery of your wine is £10 per case.

When will my wine be delivered?

The wines will be ready to ship to you in 2010. Various conditions determine the actual time of bottling and despatch so we will contact you nearer the time when your wines are ready. You will be kept updated by email on the progress of your order and specific delivery dates.

What if one or more of my bottles of wine is broken during shipping?

If any bottles are broken in shipping then we will reimburse you accordingly.

What if one or more of my bottles of wine is corked?

There is always a possibility that a bottle of wine may be corked. However, due to the nature of buying wine en primeur we would not be able to replace your wine as stock is sold on a strictly limited basis.

What is the minimum order size?

The minimum order is 12 bottles and multiples of 12.

Is there a charge for credit cards?

There is no charge made for the use of Credit or Debit cards.