Cellar Account

Drinking great Burgundy at its peak is one of the most exciting and compelling vinous experiences, fully involving the senses in the analysis and appreciation of complex, finely-tunes aromas and flavours. How do you go about selecting, purchasing and storing the right wines, thereby ensuring the maximum return on the investment you make?

We have created the Domaine Direct Cellar Account to offer a flexible and cost-effective solution to these demands.

Finding top quality Burgundy is Domaine Direct’s priority. As a specialist Burgundy importer since 1981, Domaine Direct has sought to offer the most thoroughly researched selection of domaine-bottled Burgundy available in Britain. We have inside knowledge of the region’s wines gained from frequent vineyard and cellar visits. Our selection features classic wines from Burgundy’s leading domaines, where first-rate vineyard holdings are matched by top winemaking skills.

Which wines should I buy?

The strictly limited supply of top Burgundy for the world-wide market means that the best wines have to be bought young as they seldom reappear when mature and are considerably more expensive when they do.

Equally important, though, is choosing wines that meet your real requirements. What are your preferences? How much of the selection should be white and how much red? How much is for short to medium-term drinking and how much for longer-term cellaring? Should the selection concentrate on a few appellations or give broader coverage of Burgundy’s extraordinary range and variety? We can help guide you through all the options.

We see the personal touch as being a crucial part of the Cellar Account service, so all customers are offered a consultation with Hilary Gibbs (the proprietor and founder of Domaine Direct). Each Cellar Account portfolio is then carefully tailored to the individual’s preferences, tastes and budget. Most customers will add to this portfolio once or twice a year, although there is absolutely no obligation to buy at any time.

Can I spread the payments?

Yes, Cellar Account customers can have the convenience of spreading their payment over 12 months by direct debit, whilst still being able to take advantage of special wines or vintages which may be on offer for a very short time. Customers may also wish to kick start their portfolio with an initial lump sum payment followed by a monthly standing order.

What about storage?

Good storage is vital for the full development of a wine’s potential. If you do not have your own storage facilities or cellar, you can lay down your wine with Domaine Direct for the correct length of time and then take delivery of the wines when they are ready for drinking, confident that they have been properly stored and supervised throughout. Cellar Account stock is clearly labelled with the owner’s name and address and is kept separate from the company’s trading stock. All stock is also fully insured.

When will the wines be ready?

During the course of a wine’s life there are times when the conditions for drinking are at an optimum level, and the drinking window for each wine is unique. As a result, in addition to an annual stock record of wines held by us on your behalf, you will receive our updated drinking advice for the wines in your Cellar Account. This will keep you informed as to the wines’ development and enable you to withdraw wines from storage when appropriate. Of course, you can contact us at any time to request up to date information on your wines.

Cellar Account terms

The Domaine Direct Cellar Account offers a complete service to customers wishing to lay down Burgundy. The minimum Cellar Account opening purchase is £1150 including VAT, which means that, for less than £96 a month, you can start to develop your own fine wine cellar, but we can be flexible with this and tailor purchases to meet your needs. Alternatively, you can save up and buy wines or add to your Cellar Account whenever you like. Our aim is to be as flexible as possible and meet any requirements or preferences you may have. You will be able to increase or decrease your monthly payments to suit your situation.

Charges for storage and insurance as at 1/2/2009 are:
1 - 10 cases: £10.93 per case per year (or part year) including VAT.
11 cases or more: £9.78 per case per year (or part year) including VAT

How to apply

Customers may wish to compile their selection on their own or take advantage of a consultation with Hilary Gibbs.
Please call Hilary or Verity Milns on 020 7837 1142 or e-mail verity@domainedirect.co.uk to discuss your requirements and to arrange a consultation.