Crooks drain wine buffs of thousands of pounds in a vintage fraud
Wine merchants warned drinkers today to beware of criminals seeking to cash in on an acclaimed new Bordeaux vintage.
Bibendum, supplier to the 2012 Olympics, and Berry Bros, Britain's oldest wine merchant, said consumers wanting to buy last year's crop could be targeted by fraudsters taking payment for wine that will never be delivered.
Similar risks exist from firms that offer to sell other "investment-grade wines" but later vanish after collecting thousands of pounds from their victims.
Last year's Bordeaux, on sale shortly, is reported to be on a par with the 2009 vintage, which has already won renown as one of the best in recent decades.
The Wine and Spirit Trade Association, which represents 340 businesses, announced a new anti-fraud drive. It will work with the Metropolitan police's economic crime unit, Operation Sterling, sharing information to try to catch crooked sellers. It will also hunt those who steal the identity of reputable firms to obtain products from vineyards, which they then fail to pay for.
However, the biggest risk is from crooks claiming to sell en primeur wines which must be paid for up to two years before delivery. Bibendum managing director Michael Saunders said fraud was a "serious problem", adding: "There are a number of companies that have been set up to sell investment-grade wines that are either way overpriced or not good quality, and which then disappear into the ether."
Berry Bros buying director Alun Griffiths said 2010 Bordeaux was destined to be "very fine". But he said payment would be required now, while delivery would not take place until at least 2013: "It can be quite a risk to hand over large amounts." Customers should check the history of sellers and whether they are registered with the trade association.
The value of fine wines has soared by 225 per cent since 2001, compared with a five per cent rise in the stock market. Good performers include Château Lafite 1996 and Château Latour 1996.
