For The Love Of Port

I just received an email that Benchmark Wine is selling 1977 Warre's VP (full bottle) for $91 each. That seems like a decent price in the U.S. They have 36 bottles in stock.

They're now offering the '77 at $85 ea. during their Bin Sale.

I only just started my VP collection but I found Benchmark Wine early on. I've made two orders with them and have been very happy with everything. They're great. Shipping is a bit expensive, but the fact that it makes most of the journey via temperature controlled ground shipping is very, very nice.

I've bought from them frequently as well, but they're shipping costs are starting to get a little ridiculous. They're almost double the cost of shipping from a lot of other places that I've bought from.

They also have a sister company called Brentwood wine that has twice weekly auctions. Their commission rate is 15% and they don't charge sales tax. You can find some good deals on there from time to time.

I've never really looked into auctions, so I'll check that out. Thanks!

Scott Esterly wrote: ↑Mon Sep 05, 2022 3:45 pm I've never really looked into auctions, so I'll check that out. Thanks!

Be very careful of the "hidden" costs, like buyers premium, shipping (costs and where they won't ship to), bottle condition, etc. I see people way overpay for bottles they can get more locally with known storage than what they pay at auction or for bottles that have obvious storage or past leaking issues.

…and beware the elevated cork!

I have these bookmarked to be able to decipher the bottle condition abbreviations though not remember most of them, perhaps you will find these useful too:

• https://www.brentwoodwine.com/wine-condition-notes/

• https://wine.ha.com/information/key-to- ... le-sizes.s

• http://webdocs.ackerwines.com/BottleDescriptions.pdf

• https://www.winebid.com/Help/AuctionTerminology

• https://www.steinfelsweine.ch/wp-conten ... kala-1.pdf

I would almost never have any interest in:
* spc --- slightly protruding cork
* sos --- signs of seepage
* ssos --- slight signs of seepage

... this is so off topic :) we should probably start a separate thread on this...