Why do people buy extremely expensive wines?

Mountain_Runner · 24-05-2015, 13:53

I've seen some wines costing over £5000 a bottle (75cl).

Why would people pay so much? Surely the taste can't be that good.

It would have to be shared with very important people seen as you often get about 4 glasses from one bottle so that's over £1000 a glass!

I know you get collectors but they don't even drink it, so wants the point?

Mustabuster · 24-05-2015, 18:07

I'm no wine expert but I guess at that level it's the prestige factor coming into play rather than the taste. It'll probably taste alright but it won't be nectar of the gods. It's the same reason that certain chinese businessmen choose to munch on tiger dicks. Not because they taste nice but because it's a show of status and flashing their wealth.

radioanorak · 24-05-2015, 18:17

A family here on Rhodes set up a caravan by the roadside in the summer.From there they sell greek products they produced in the winter.Its here we buy our wine @ € 7 a bottle.We let our local taverna owner try some & he now has it in the taverna.It is fantastic

Toby LaRhone · 24-05-2015, 18:51

I'm reminded of Cliff Richard on telly a few years back promoting "his" Algarve vineyard that produces "his" Vida Nova wine.
"Sir Cliff is very much involved in producing the wine. When in Portugal he is often seen getting his hands dirty in the vineyard or indeed his feet dirty in the winery."
The presenter sprung a blind tasting on him and he foolishly agreed.
He couldn't identify his wine.
He chose a plonk over the Vida Nova

I once bought 6 bottles of cheapish wine and six bottles of posher wine from Majestic.
I had read a lot about wine and the assurances that more expensive wine will be noticeably higher quality.
I blind tasted them (stickers under the base then jumble the glasses around before you ask

)
Waste of time for me. I'll stick to my Sainsburys favourites - and they fluctuate in price greatly month by month depending on the promotions in store.

postit · 24-05-2015, 20:33

I thought to treat myself to a good Barolo when I was flush. Disappointed wasn't the word.

Isambard Brunel · 24-05-2015, 20:57

Investment. The value of good wines go up with every year and selling them doesn't have to incur capital gains tax.

You buy a bottle of wine in 1980 for £25 and sell it in 2015 for £1500, tax free. What's not to understand?

As for people who buy it to drink it... well why do people buy Ferraris and £24,000 Handbags? because they can!

I don't want to think of Cliff Richard getting dirty in Portuguese bushes...

davelovesleeds · 24-05-2015, 21:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toby LaRhone

I'm reminded of Cliff Richard on telly a few years back promoting "his" Algarve vineyard that produces "his" Vida Nova wine.
"Sir Cliff is very much involved in producing the wine. When in Portugal he is often seen getting his hands dirty in the vineyard or indeed his feet dirty in the winery."
The presenter sprung a blind tasting on him and he foolishly agreed.
He couldn't identify his wine.
He chose a plonk over the Vida Nova

.

I remember reading that. I looked or it on YouTube but couldn't find it.

I am right now drinking some Chardonnay that I bought from Asda for £5.00 and it tastes good to me. I have half of another bottle in the fridge left over from last nights Eurovision excesses that was also £5.00 from Tesco Express and that was good too.

barbeler · 24-05-2015, 21:22

One of the most disgusting red wines I have ever tasted was a very expensive bottle of red that was given to my father as a present
.
Chardonnay is so disgusting that I can't believe a good bottle exists at any price.

davelovesleeds · 24-05-2015, 21:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by barbeler

One of the most disgusting red wines I have ever tasted was a very expensive bottle of red that was given to my father as a present
.
Chardonnay is so disgusting that I can't believe a good bottle exists at any price.

I agree with you first point. I once had a bottle of red that was just shy of £75.00 and was like Ribena.

Chardonnay is a good drink and I really enjoy it. It's all a matter of taste I guess.

Toby LaRhone · 24-05-2015, 21:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by davelovesleeds

I am right now drinking some Chardonnay that I bought from Asda for £5.00 and it tastes good to me. I have half of another bottle in the fridge left over from last nights Eurovision excesses that was also £5.00 from Tesco Express and that was good too.

Which begs he question - why are you ring the Asda wine if there's opened wine in the fridge?
It's like the Delia Smith recipe that calls for a splash of "leftover wine".
What's leftover wine?

davelovesleeds · 24-05-2015, 21:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toby LaRhone

Which begs he question - why are you ring the Asda wine if there's opened wine in the fridge?
It's like the Delia Smith recipe that calls for a splash of "leftover wine".
What's leftover wine?

Because the Asda wine is probably the better wine and the 'leftover' wine won't be so bad when I've had a bottle already, plus the cans of Stella I had earlier.

I also agree that generally I don't have 'leftover; wine, but Eurovision night was a heavy night, drink wise. I can't even remember who I voted for.

Sambda · 24-05-2015, 21:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mountain_Runner

I've seen some wines costing over £5000 a bottle (75cl).

Why would people pay so much? Surely the taste can't be that good.

It would have to be shared with very important people seen as you often get about 4 glasses from one bottle so that's over £1000 a glass!

I know you get collectors but they don't even drink it, so wants the point?

One of those three-litre bottles of White Ace does me.

Jim_McIntosh · 24-05-2015, 21:59

Mostly investment, and occasionally because they have the cash so feel they are entitled to spend what other people would term a large amount on things of that nature. How people spend their cash is up to them really.

rhod · 24-05-2015, 22:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toby LaRhone

IThe presenter sprung a blind tasting on him and he foolishly agreed.
He couldn't identify his wine.
He chose a plonk over the Vida Nova

Hahah!

Reminds me of a radio documentary I heard last year where they were discussing a new high-definition CD format. One of the guests was a record Producer (Steve Lillywhite, I think) who was all for it, and explained in great detail why the new format was so much better than CD.

They were asked to do a comparison test of the same recording in hi-def and standard CD, and of course he picked the WRONG one as sounding better!

And he'd actually produced that recording, as well !!

Emperor's new clothes, etc.

vosne · 25-05-2015, 01:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mountain_Runner

I've seen some wines costing over £5000 a bottle (75cl).

Why would people pay so much? Surely the taste can't be that good.

It would have to be shared with very important people seen as you often get about 4 glasses from one bottle so that's over £1000 a glass!

I know you get collectors but they don't even drink it, so wants the point?

Market forces. And whether you have the cash.

vosne · 25-05-2015, 01:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by barbeler

One of the most disgusting red wines I have ever tasted was a very expensive bottle of red that was given to my father as a present
.
Chardonnay is so disgusting that I can't believe a good bottle exists at any price.

Considering the large variety in styles of wine made with Chardonnay maybe you just need to try a different region?

walterwhite · 25-05-2015, 09:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by barbeler

One of the most disgusting red wines I have ever tasted was a very expensive bottle of red that was given to my father as a present
.
Chardonnay is so disgusting that I can't believe a good bottle exists at any price.

What? All Chardonnay? I can't see how anyone could be that offended by a decent Chablis.

Shrike · 25-05-2015, 10:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isambard Brunel

Investment. The value of good wines go up with every year and selling them doesn't have to incur capital gains tax.

You buy a bottle of wine in 1980 for £25 and sell it in 2015 for £1500, tax free. What's not to understand?

As for people who buy it to drink it... well why do people buy Ferraris and £24,000 Handbags? because they can!

I don't want to think of Cliff Richard getting dirty in Portuguese bushes...

I think the question is, who buys a 35 year old wine for £1500? Its pretty unlikely it will still be as drinkable as it was in the '80s or '90s. I suppose they may buy it hoping it will appreciate in value as much again, but then will anyone in 2050 stump up £90,000 for a 70 year old wine? It definitely wont be drinkable then.

Isambard Brunel · 25-05-2015, 14:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shrike

I think the question is, who buys a 35 year old wine for £1500? Its pretty unlikely it will still be as drinkable as it was in the '80s or '90s.

A good wine should still be drinkable after 30 years. Someone may want one for an anniversary or birthday... a special bottle of wine from the year a couple got married, the year of the birth of a child getting married, a bottle for someone's 50th birthday from the year they started their business and made their first million, etc.

brangdon · 25-05-2015, 16:46

This is part of the rich/poor divide. Or more like, rich/middle/poor divide. If you are a "normal" person with a reasonable amount of disposable wealth, you don't see what it's like to be poor and (eg) have £1.50/day for food. You also don't see what it's like to be seriously rich. People with over £100,000,000 aren't put off by a £5,000 price tag.

barbeler · 25-05-2015, 21:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterwhite

What? All Chardonnay? I can't see how anyone could be that offended by a decent Chablis.

Well it would be quite a challenge to have claimed to have drunk every Chardonnay available, but every one I've tried has been sickly and buttery. If I fancy drinking white wine I find it's far safer to go for Sauvignon Blanc. A duff one will usually only taste bland. The Chileno one tastes so wonderful to me that I've never had the slightest urge to try anything more expensive.

Toby LaRhone · 25-05-2015, 22:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by davelovesleeds

Because the Asda wine is probably the better wine and the 'leftover' wine won't be so bad when I've had a bottle already, plus the cans of Stella I had earlier.

I also agree that generally I don't have 'leftover; wine, but Eurovision night was a heavy night, drink wise. I can't even remember who I voted for.

Well, as much I like a nice drink, if ever a tale illustrated the slippery slope of drinking and the tragic effect it can have on life it's yours.
Not only did you watch Eurovision, you voted!!
Get thee behind me, Satan!

walterwhite · 26-05-2015, 08:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by barbeler

Well it would be quite a challenge to have claimed to have drunk every Chardonnay available, but every one I've tried has been sickly and buttery. If I fancy drinking white wine I find it's far safer to go for Sauvignon Blanc. A duff one will usually only taste bland. The Chileno one tastes so wonderful to me that I've never had the slightest urge to try anything more expensive.

Have you tried Chablis? Lots of 'modern' Chardonnays are oaked to the point of no return, especially the Aussie ones.

davelovesleeds · 26-05-2015, 18:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toby LaRhone

Well, as much I like a nice drink, if ever a tale illustrated the slippery slope of drinking and the tragic effect it can have on life it's yours.
Not only did you watch Eurovision, you voted!!
Get thee behind me, Satan!

I am seeking help, I've joined Eurovisonolics Anonymous.
It's going to be a long path.

Toby LaRhone · 26-05-2015, 20:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by davelovesleeds

I am seeking help, I've joined Eurovisonolics Anonymous.
It's going to be a long path.

We're all here for you.
Don't be afraid to talk.
If you once had a Jedward calendar you can tell us.

24-05-2015, 13:53	#1
Mountain_Runner Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 1,451	Why do people buy extremely expensive wines? I've seen some wines costing over £5000 a bottle (75cl). Why would people pay so much? Surely the taste can't be that good. It would have to be shared with very important people seen as you often get about 4 glasses from one bottle so that's over £1000 a glass! I know you get collectors but they don't even drink it, so wants the point?

24-05-2015, 18:07	#2
Mustabuster Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Woking, Surrey. Posts: 3,588	I'm no wine expert but I guess at that level it's the prestige factor coming into play rather than the taste. It'll probably taste alright but it won't be nectar of the gods. It's the same reason that certain chinese businessmen choose to munch on tiger dicks. Not because they taste nice but because it's a show of status and flashing their wealth.

24-05-2015, 18:17	#3
radioanorak Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: AFANDOU, Rhodes Greece Posts: 2,973	A family here on Rhodes set up a caravan by the roadside in the summer.From there they sell greek products they produced in the winter.Its here we buy our wine @ € 7 a bottle.We let our local taverna owner try some & he now has it in the taverna.It is fantastic

24-05-2015, 18:51	#4
Toby LaRhone Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 9,227	I'm reminded of Cliff Richard on telly a few years back promoting "his" Algarve vineyard that produces "his" Vida Nova wine. "Sir Cliff is very much involved in producing the wine. When in Portugal he is often seen getting his hands dirty in the vineyard or indeed his feet dirty in the winery." The presenter sprung a blind tasting on him and he foolishly agreed. He couldn't identify his wine. He chose a plonk over the Vida Nova I once bought 6 bottles of cheapish wine and six bottles of posher wine from Majestic. I had read a lot about wine and the assurances that more expensive wine will be noticeably higher quality. I blind tasted them (stickers under the base then jumble the glasses around before you ask ) Waste of time for me. I'll stick to my Sainsburys favourites - and they fluctuate in price greatly month by month depending on the promotions in store.

24-05-2015, 20:33	#5
postit Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 10,680	I thought to treat myself to a good Barolo when I was flush. Disappointed wasn't the word.

24-05-2015, 20:57	#6
Isambard Brunel Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 4,087	Investment. The value of good wines go up with every year and selling them doesn't have to incur capital gains tax. You buy a bottle of wine in 1980 for £25 and sell it in 2015 for £1500, tax free. What's not to understand? As for people who buy it to drink it... well why do people buy Ferraris and £24,000 Handbags? because they can! I don't want to think of Cliff Richard getting dirty in Portuguese bushes...

24-05-2015, 21:19	#7
davelovesleeds Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Leeds Posts: 10,953	Quote: Originally Posted by Toby LaRhone I'm reminded of Cliff Richard on telly a few years back promoting "his" Algarve vineyard that produces "his" Vida Nova wine. "Sir Cliff is very much involved in producing the wine. When in Portugal he is often seen getting his hands dirty in the vineyard or indeed his feet dirty in the winery." The presenter sprung a blind tasting on him and he foolishly agreed. He couldn't identify his wine. He chose a plonk over the Vida Nova . I remember reading that. I looked or it on YouTube but couldn't find it. I am right now drinking some Chardonnay that I bought from Asda for £5.00 and it tastes good to me. I have half of another bottle in the fridge left over from last nights Eurovision excesses that was also £5.00 from Tesco Express and that was good too.

24-05-2015, 21:22	#8
barbeler Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 11,705	One of the most disgusting red wines I have ever tasted was a very expensive bottle of red that was given to my father as a present . Chardonnay is so disgusting that I can't believe a good bottle exists at any price.

24-05-2015, 21:32	#9
davelovesleeds Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Leeds Posts: 10,953	Quote: Originally Posted by barbeler One of the most disgusting red wines I have ever tasted was a very expensive bottle of red that was given to my father as a present . Chardonnay is so disgusting that I can't believe a good bottle exists at any price. I agree with you first point. I once had a bottle of red that was just shy of £75.00 and was like Ribena. Chardonnay is a good drink and I really enjoy it. It's all a matter of taste I guess.

24-05-2015, 21:43	#10
Toby LaRhone Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 9,227	Quote: Originally Posted by davelovesleeds I am right now drinking some Chardonnay that I bought from Asda for £5.00 and it tastes good to me. I have half of another bottle in the fridge left over from last nights Eurovision excesses that was also £5.00 from Tesco Express and that was good too. Which begs he question - why are you ring the Asda wine if there's opened wine in the fridge? It's like the Delia Smith recipe that calls for a splash of "leftover wine". What's leftover wine?

24-05-2015, 21:48	#11
davelovesleeds Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Leeds Posts: 10,953	Quote: Originally Posted by Toby LaRhone Which begs he question - why are you ring the Asda wine if there's opened wine in the fridge? It's like the Delia Smith recipe that calls for a splash of "leftover wine". What's leftover wine? Because the Asda wine is probably the better wine and the 'leftover' wine won't be so bad when I've had a bottle already, plus the cans of Stella I had earlier. I also agree that generally I don't have 'leftover; wine, but Eurovision night was a heavy night, drink wise. I can't even remember who I voted for.

24-05-2015, 21:56	#12
Sambda Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 3,228	Quote: Originally Posted by Mountain_Runner I've seen some wines costing over £5000 a bottle (75cl). Why would people pay so much? Surely the taste can't be that good. It would have to be shared with very important people seen as you often get about 4 glasses from one bottle so that's over £1000 a glass! I know you get collectors but they don't even drink it, so wants the point? One of those three-litre bottles of White Ace does me.

24-05-2015, 21:59	#13
Jim_McIntosh Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 5,258	Mostly investment, and occasionally because they have the cash so feel they are entitled to spend what other people would term a large amount on things of that nature. How people spend their cash is up to them really.

24-05-2015, 22:45	#14
rhod Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,833	Quote: Originally Posted by Toby LaRhone IThe presenter sprung a blind tasting on him and he foolishly agreed. He couldn't identify his wine. He chose a plonk over the Vida Nova Hahah! Reminds me of a radio documentary I heard last year where they were discussing a new high-definition CD format. One of the guests was a record Producer (Steve Lillywhite, I think) who was all for it, and explained in great detail why the new format was so much better than CD. They were asked to do a comparison test of the same recording in hi-def and standard CD, and of course he picked the WRONG one as sounding better! And he'd actually produced that recording, as well !! Emperor's new clothes, etc.

25-05-2015, 01:44	#15
vosne Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: madamoiselle never Posts: 11,453	Quote: Originally Posted by Mountain_Runner I've seen some wines costing over £5000 a bottle (75cl). Why would people pay so much? Surely the taste can't be that good. It would have to be shared with very important people seen as you often get about 4 glasses from one bottle so that's over £1000 a glass! I know you get collectors but they don't even drink it, so wants the point? Market forces. And whether you have the cash.

25-05-2015, 01:48	#16
vosne Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: madamoiselle never Posts: 11,453	Quote: Originally Posted by barbeler One of the most disgusting red wines I have ever tasted was a very expensive bottle of red that was given to my father as a present . Chardonnay is so disgusting that I can't believe a good bottle exists at any price. Considering the large variety in styles of wine made with Chardonnay maybe you just need to try a different region?

25-05-2015, 09:59	#17
walterwhite Forum Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 21,729	Quote: Originally Posted by barbeler One of the most disgusting red wines I have ever tasted was a very expensive bottle of red that was given to my father as a present . Chardonnay is so disgusting that I can't believe a good bottle exists at any price. What? All Chardonnay? I can't see how anyone could be that offended by a decent Chablis.

25-05-2015, 10:48	#18
Shrike Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Nottingham Posts: 11,480	Quote: Originally Posted by Isambard Brunel Investment. The value of good wines go up with every year and selling them doesn't have to incur capital gains tax. You buy a bottle of wine in 1980 for £25 and sell it in 2015 for £1500, tax free. What's not to understand? As for people who buy it to drink it... well why do people buy Ferraris and £24,000 Handbags? because they can! I don't want to think of Cliff Richard getting dirty in Portuguese bushes... I think the question is, who buys a 35 year old wine for £1500? Its pretty unlikely it will still be as drinkable as it was in the '80s or '90s. I suppose they may buy it hoping it will appreciate in value as much again, but then will anyone in 2050 stump up £90,000 for a 70 year old wine? It definitely wont be drinkable then.

25-05-2015, 14:17	#19
Isambard Brunel Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 4,087	Quote: Originally Posted by Shrike I think the question is, who buys a 35 year old wine for £1500? Its pretty unlikely it will still be as drinkable as it was in the '80s or '90s. A good wine should still be drinkable after 30 years. Someone may want one for an anniversary or birthday... a special bottle of wine from the year a couple got married, the year of the birth of a child getting married, a bottle for someone's 50th birthday from the year they started their business and made their first million, etc.

25-05-2015, 16:46	#20
brangdon Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Nottingham, UK Posts: 11,885	This is part of the rich/poor divide. Or more like, rich/middle/poor divide. If you are a "normal" person with a reasonable amount of disposable wealth, you don't see what it's like to be poor and (eg) have £1.50/day for food. You also don't see what it's like to be seriously rich. People with over £100,000,000 aren't put off by a £5,000 price tag.

25-05-2015, 21:00	#21
barbeler Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 11,705	Quote: Originally Posted by walterwhite What? All Chardonnay? I can't see how anyone could be that offended by a decent Chablis. Well it would be quite a challenge to have claimed to have drunk every Chardonnay available, but every one I've tried has been sickly and buttery. If I fancy drinking white wine I find it's far safer to go for Sauvignon Blanc. A duff one will usually only taste bland. The Chileno one tastes so wonderful to me that I've never had the slightest urge to try anything more expensive.

DS Forums

Why do people buy extremely expensive wines?

25-05-2015, 22:04	#22
Toby LaRhone Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 9,227	Quote: Originally Posted by davelovesleeds Because the Asda wine is probably the better wine and the 'leftover' wine won't be so bad when I've had a bottle already, plus the cans of Stella I had earlier. I also agree that generally I don't have 'leftover; wine, but Eurovision night was a heavy night, drink wise. I can't even remember who I voted for. Well, as much I like a nice drink, if ever a tale illustrated the slippery slope of drinking and the tragic effect it can have on life it's yours. Not only did you *watch* Eurovision, you *voted*!! Get thee behind me, Satan!

26-05-2015, 08:45	#23
walterwhite Forum Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 21,729	Quote: Originally Posted by barbeler Well it would be quite a challenge to have claimed to have drunk every Chardonnay available, but every one I've tried has been sickly and buttery. If I fancy drinking white wine I find it's far safer to go for Sauvignon Blanc. A duff one will usually only taste bland. The Chileno one tastes so wonderful to me that I've never had the slightest urge to try anything more expensive. Have you tried Chablis? Lots of 'modern' Chardonnays are oaked to the point of no return, especially the Aussie ones.

26-05-2015, 18:29	#24
davelovesleeds Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Leeds Posts: 10,953	Quote: Originally Posted by Toby LaRhone Well, as much I like a nice drink, if ever a tale illustrated the slippery slope of drinking and the tragic effect it can have on life it's yours. Not only did you *watch* Eurovision, you *voted*!! Get thee behind me, Satan! I am seeking help, I've joined Eurovisonolics Anonymous. It's going to be a long path.

26-05-2015, 20:40	#25
Toby LaRhone Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 9,227	Quote: Originally Posted by davelovesleeds I am seeking help, I've joined Eurovisonolics Anonymous. It's going to be a long path. We're all here for you. Don't be afraid to talk. If you once had a Jedward calendar you can tell us.