Château Lafite
Vintage Wine Investors are generously offering to make investors a 50% profit in just three months on a purchase of a case of six bottles of 2010 Lafite. Buy a case now for £3000 and Vintage Wine Investors will give you 'a legally binding Wine Sale and Buy Back agreement that confirms that £4500 will be transferred to your account on 21st December 2012 for each case of 6 bottles that you purchase'. A maximium of 10 cases per client.
In response to the reasonable question 'How can we make such an offer' Vintage Wine Investors claim that 'This is from a very large buy from a liquidation sale. We are putting in half the money ourselves and allowing new clients to test the market and see the short term returns that are currently available.'
Sounds too good to be true? Before reaching for your cheque book consider the following:
a) The 2010 Lafite has yet to be bottled and shipped.
b) The lowest price for a case of six bottles of Lafite 2010 as shown on wine-searcher is £4150 from En Primeur Ltd. En Primeur Ltd were offering this for £4400 on 15th June 2012. This would suggest that the market is less buoyant than Vintage Wine Investors believe.
c) There is no indication on their website of the provenance of this company – no names of directors etc.. The company appears not to be a registered UK company – no records at Companies House.
d) Their address at 17 Ensign House, Admirals Way Canary Wharf London E14 9XQ appears to be a virtual office run by Flexy Office (UK) Ltd. Vintage Wine Investors could actually be based anywhere – Bromley or the Costa del Sol, for instance.
e) They also give 111 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0SR – another serviced office – as a further address.
e) They also give 111 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0SR – another serviced office – as a further address.
f) If Vintage Wine Investors 'legally binding Wine Sale and Buy Back agreement' proves to be worthless, it will be very difficult to trace VWI.
g) Their website is registered anonymously in Ontario, Canada.
I'll definitely pass on this offer and other offers that Vintage Wine Investors have recently made. Instead I'll consider maximising my savings in flying pigs – certainly a wasting asset!
22.9.12: I'll also pass on the similar offer made on 2010 Château Margaux – again a 50% profit between now and 23rd January.
22.9.12: I'll also pass on the similar offer made on 2010 Château Margaux – again a 50% profit between now and 23rd January.
The email address seems to be linked to someone named Michael Chapman:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.zoominfo.com/#!search/profile/person?personId=1834079226&targetid=profile
Furthermore, another address is specified on an html page of VWI website, 111 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0SR:
http://www.vintagewineinvestors.com/contact-us.html
and it appears to be a virtual office run by Abbey Business Centres:
http://www.abbeyoffices.com/locations/virtual-offices/london-victoria-sw1/
The plot thickens...
Many thanks for this Emmanuel. Jim
ReplyDeletejim,
ReplyDeletevine capital and the premier bordeaux wine company are also both registered at 111 buckingham palace road. i know it's a 'virtual office', but could there be a link?
A link is possible but using the same accommodation doesn't necessarily mean there is a link.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone actually taken up this or any of their previous offers?
ReplyDeleteI sincerely hope not! I don't know anyone who has taken this up.
ReplyDeleteonly a 4th gear mug would buy this
ReplyDeleteI was emailed today by the same company with an offer of Margaux 2010 at £2800 a case with a promise to buy back on Jan 10th 2013 for £3976
ReplyDeleteThanks anon. This week it's Margaux – equally unlikely. A number of people, like you, have passed this offer onto me.
DeleteTo be avoided like the plague..
ReplyDeleteJust a small point, but the VWI site also says "We are listed with the Fine Wine Merchants Index" with a link to site listing - er - them, plus Classic Bordeaux Vintners. Plus a couple of external links to presumably unwitting companies. WHOIS records show both VWI and the Fine Wine Merchants Index have registration through the same Ontario-based registration anonymizing company.
ReplyDeleteAnon. Many thanks for these details – all the more reason for people to stay well clear of this scam.
DeleteIts a scam
ReplyDeleteHere's a link to the 2010 Margaux offer: http://emreact.com/go.asp?/bTEA001/mRDM1M5N1/uNNL6C1N1/x5F0MM5N1
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteI recently completed on a quick sale with a broker and they offered me 30% below the price that they were selling at. Through further investigation i noticed other reputable brokers offering the stock for 50% more than the price that I received. I don't see how this is a scam?
Anon. Assuming that you really have placed an order – for what, incidentally? – let's see if you get your promised profit. Full details of what you bought and the price would be good to know.
DeleteI have received the Margaux offer - plus I can anyhow receive six bottles of a Bordeaux Blanc free - but I doubt even they would turn up! I suggest that the FSA should be informed; they will probably include the company on their "avoid" list.
ReplyDeleteThe website bears a remarkable resembelance to that of global wine invetments (GWI)Michael Wilson featured on here in the past as does the name to add to that,"michael@vintagewineinvestors.com" aswell as the similar name, i would stay well away.
ReplyDeletealthough i cannot prove any link and it is all an assumption.
Jim (and other Anonymous 'commenters' - thank you very much for your research and advice - incrediby helpful.
ReplyDeleteJust received this from Moneycafe. I have repleied to say I don't wnat to take up the offe at this stage but please send me the free wine. I'll let you know if it turns up. JT
ReplyDeletePlease confirm which address you would like us to send your FREE case of wine to. Please respond in the next 24 hours as they are due to be dispatched.
Please also confirm if you are able to participate in the bulk buy that we have available detailed below that will see you receive a Return of 45% in just 3 months!! Please read below to find out how and why.
The FREE case of Wine that we will be sending to you is:-
Bordeaux Blanc, Les Hauts de Massone du Chateau Pilet 2011 Bordeaux Blanc, Les Hauts de Massonne du Chateau Pilet 80% Semillon plus Sauvignon Blanc - so rounder and riper than many, with the grassy, green apple aromas of Sauvignon complemented by lovely texture and floral notes. Perfect for seafood....
Size: 75cl
Alcohol: 12%
Style: Crisp
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc , Semillon
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Please click on the link below and send me an email confirming the address that you would like your FREE case of wine to be sent to michael@vintagewineinvestors.com
You will receive a 45% profit on your investment in 3 months
Profit Opportunity
We are able to provide you cases of 6 x 75cl bottles of Lafite Rothschild 2011 for £3200 per case of 6 bottles. The normal market price is around £5000. We would like to buy back the wine from you on the 31st January 2013 for £4640
How can we make such an offer?
This is from a very large buy from a liquidation sale. We are putting in half the money ourselves and allowing new clients to test the market and see the short term returns that are currently available by participating in the purchase of some of the stock. This is a great way for us to bring in new clients so that they can test the market. It also helps us as a company as we have our cash distributed in various purchases at any one given time and sometimes require client participation for bulk buys. This market place has seen price swings of hundreds of per cent in the last few years. We are taking advantage of this on behalf of ourselves and our clients.
Maximum of 12 cases per client.
If you can participate then please email me at the link below indicating the amount of cases that you could be interested in along with any questions that you may have.
We will be providing you with a legally binding Wine Sale and Buy Back agreement that confirms £4640 will be transferred to your account on the 31st January 2013 for each case of 6 bottles that you purchase.
There is limited stock of the 2011 Lafite Rothschild therefore it is on a first come first served basis.
Upon receipt of your funds we will send you a confirmed paid invoice along with the contract for the ' Buy Back' from you on the 31st January 2013.
Please remember for every £3200 of stock purchased we will send you a payment for £4640.
Therefore for example should you purchase 4 cases for £12,800, you will receive back £18,560 on the 31st January 2013
Don't delay.
Please click this link and send me any questions that you may have michael@vintagewineinvestors.com
I received my Free case of wine!!
ReplyDeleteInteresting offer seeing as there are multiple six packs of 2011 Lafite showing on Winesearcher for £1900-£2500...
ReplyDeleteI spoke with Mr Michael Chapman as I spotted this myself! He stated that it was a mis-print and they are actually offering cases of 12 bottles for £3200 and not cases of 6 bottles!
ReplyDeleteI also received my 6 bottles today. They are from Virgin Wines in wooden cases.Both cases have the same wines. It's not exactly what is shown in their initial email but each case costs about £30 from Virgin. " Bordeaux Blanc, Les Hauts de Massone du Chateau Pilet" would cost around £38 a case for 3. Anyway, so far so good. Please share any negative experience you have with us and not just assumptions.
ReplyDeleteAnon.Your testimony would be more compelling if it wasn't anonymous. Nor does it guarantee the return on the Lafite.
DeleteAnon, wake up - it's a trap and you've taken the bait!
ReplyDeleteI've fullen for this.
ReplyDeleteOrigin checks did not bring up this Web Site and it's only another 'Great Offer' that has made me check again.
My pay date is yet to come, but would like to trace them/him before then.
Can anyone assist?
Please post any information here for all us sucker's
What's the latest on this ? Did you get anything back yet ?
ReplyDeleteI just received this - starting with a request for bank details, but otherwise a similar deal.
ReplyDeleteDear Investor
Please send your bank details so that we can arrange for transfer of the £25 to your account today. Due to some cheques being delayed because of the Christmas post, we are sending payments directly into participating clients bank accounts by bank transfer. The money will show in your account immediately and you therefore don’t need to worry about the delay of receipt of payment etc
In return I request that you read the rest of this email and confirm how much you would like to invest in the short term deal that is being made available for your participation.
Thank you for your recent interest in our wine Monthly Plan. Whilst you are considering the opportunity to invest within the plan we have a short term opportunity that is available to you providing that you can make an investment this week. Payment must be received by Friday 21st December 2012
We are able to secure cases of the excellent 2011 Lafite Rothschild for £3750 per case of 12 bottles. The normal market price is around £5500 per case
You will receive a 40% profit on your investment in 6 weeks - FACT
Profit Opportunity
We are able to provide you cases of 12 x 75cl bottles of Lafite Rothschild 2011 for £3750 per case of 12 bottles. The normal market price is around £5500. We would like to buy back the wine from you on the 31st January 2013 for £5250
How can we make such an offer?
This is from a very large buy from a liquidation sale. We are putting in half the money ourselves and allowing new clients to test the market and see the short term returns that are currently available by participating in the purchase of some of the stock. This is a great way for us to bring in new clients so that they can test the market. It also helps us as a company as we have our cash distributed in various purchases at any one given time and sometimes require client participation for bulk buys. This market place has seen price swings of hundreds of per cent in the last few years. We are taking advantage of this on behalf of ourselves and our clients.
Maximum of 10 cases per client.
We will be providing you with a legally binding Wine Sale and Buy Back agreement that confirms £5250 will be transferred to your account on the 31st January 2013 for each case of 12 bottles that you purchase.
There is limited stock of the 2011 Lafite Rothschild therefore it is on a first come first served basis.
Upon your confirmation of agreement to participate, we will send you an invoice along with the contract for the ‘ Buy Back’ from you on the 31st January 2013.
Please remember for every £3750 of stock purchased we will send you a payment for £5250.
Therefore for example should you purchase 4 cases for £15,000, you will receive back £21,000 on the 31st January 2013
Don’t delay!
Kind Regards
Michael Chapman
I have already received my capital and profit from a deal that i did a couple of months ago! All looks good to me.
ReplyDeletePigs have been known to fly.
DeleteI have received my investment back this morning with return. J. Wells
ReplyDeletePerhaps for the lucky few but unlikley to be sustainable as the price of Lafite 2010 has drifted down over the past few months.
DeleteMy bulk buy purchase expired on 21 December and I'm still waiting for my payment. I was promised it on 27th December but still not showed up. I have been corresponding with a Michael Chapman via email where I was promised an update this morning but not received it. Wish I had found this site before investing! darren
ReplyDeleteI invested £3,000 cash in September, but asked a week later for £1,200 to be returned to pay an unexpected bill. It was returned after several applications several weeks later. I asked what had happened to the balance of £1,800 and was told that it had been rolled-over to a deal maturing on 17 November. In the meantime I invested a further £10,000 due to mature on 17 December at £14,400. On enquiring the absence of these proceeds, I was advised that a delay to 31 January had occurred, but would be off-set by a further 20% profit. I cannot now get a reply from Michael Chapman to my emails.
ReplyDeletePlease also avoid Capital Bordeaux-they have also just done a bunk with my wine/funds of over £10,000
Although some days late I have received my payment
ReplyDeleteJohn - Harrogate
John. It would be very interesting to know how many have received their promised payment and how many have been so far disappointed. There is a new offer, so news of some payments being made is probably opportune. Personally I would rather not take the risk.
DeleteI would definitely recommend you AGAINST this investment. As a test run I bought one case. I sent Chapman £3k last Sept 19th, 'legally binding' buyback due on Dec 21st, and with one excuse or another he still hasn't payed a penny back. The guy is either one filthy good liar or utterly messed up with his business. If you don't want to cold sweat over your investment, try something else. £3k to the lottery would bebetter spent.
ReplyDeleteP.S. should he pay back as promised, I will make amend and apologise for the 'filthy liar', yet his contraddictions are too many and too often to give him even a tenner for lunch...
Bran.
Further to my piece on 9 January, the repayment due on 31 January was postponed to 5/8 February, but then an email on the last day stated that "a legal situation has arisen" that he hoped "would be resolved in the next couple of months".
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime Tony Hetherington's website "thisismoney" stated that Tower Hamlets Trading Standards had done a raid and one person was arrested. This person might have been Michael Chapman, but it may have been another
I have also received similar messages from Mr Chapman and have sent details to Trading Standards in Tower Hamlet who are currently investigating his dealings. My understanding is that Mr Chapman has been arrested and is on bail until early April. I also understand that his real name is not Michael Chapman so the plot thickens. Sadly I am owed for 2 cases and Mr Chapman has confirmed even recently that I will still receive payment + profits. I have my doubts and I guess the amount will be decided by the courts.
ReplyDeleteI could not email Trading Standards as their server refused to accept my message, and the call centre did not return my call as promised. I therefore wrote to Tower Hamlets, but have had no acknowledgement. Michael Chapman's last email on 24 February promised the return of funds with interest in a time frame that meant towards the end of April
ReplyDeleteStuart Gilchrist
ReplyDeletetry trading.standards@towerhamlets.gov.uk again - the TS service was moved to some very downmarket accommodation around that time and the system may have been down at the time
Is there any further news on this. I bought 3 cases and was promised my money in January. Still waiting. Wished I had seen this before.
ReplyDelete