PRESS RELEASE MAY2004

Following release of the latest vintage from the Bordeaux – there hasn’t been a more important time to choose the right wine investment adviser

London, 24 May 2004: Experts have been exploiting the wine market for hundreds of years. With a proven track record of providing a consistent, low risk, high yielding, tax free, average return of more than 19% per annum for the last 25 years, investing in Fine Wines has proven to be both pleasurable and profitable. In a market recently tarnished by fraudulent activity from ‘so called’ wine investment houses however, it has become increasingly important to be highly selective and cautious when choosing an adviser.

As with many mainstream investments, such as unit trusts, you simply invest through someone who knows exactly what they are doing. To date, most companies that offer wine investments are in fact the wine merchants themselves. Although there are many trusted names, it is generally recognised that the best portfolio management and returns come from specialist investment houses. This is vital as it means there is a greater likelihood of getting truly independent advice and the flexibility to choose how and where to invest, coupled with a hands-on and proactive management approach.

There are a few companies that specialise in turning cellars for profit and investors must be very careful who they choose to manage their cellar. Although the best and most experienced wine merchants will be able to advise on what wines should be bought for investment, many do not look at a client's wine from the point of view of fund management. Coupled with this, many have little or no experience in the financial sector with only a wine background.

The best investment advisers carry at least five or more of the following:

• Are well-established companies with a known track record
• Set up each client portfolio so wines are in client’s name
• Have complementary background experience within Financial Services
• Offer a broad range of investment plans
• Do not actually hold stock themselves
• Have a demonstrable track record of good, solid returns
• Provide tailor-made portfolios with no lock-in periods
• Do not charge upfront or exit fees, nor early redemption penalties
• Are proactive and run a hands-on management operation.

Following the latest release of the 2003 Bordeaux vintage - which due to its limited production and high quality grape (if chosen correctly) is regarded to be an exceptional investment wine - many investors are looking to spread the risk of their current investment portfolios by investing in this year’s en primeur. With this recent up-turn, investors need to carry out their respective due diligence before handing over any form of investment.

For editorial enquiries:

Bishopsgate Communications T: 020 7430 1600
Dominic Barretto dominic@bishopsgatecommunications.com

Premier Cru Fine Wine Investments Ltd was formed with the specific intention of offering structured and managed investments to people with little or no knowledge of wine. The Company is unique, in that it provides tailor-made portfolios with no lock-in periods, thus enabling investors to add or subtract at will to pay off a wedding, children's school fees, a mortgage or even create an income to supplement your pension etc. It does not charge upfront or exit fees, nor early redemption penalties, and investors' profits are free from capital gains and income tax. Unlike ISA's there are no upper limits, and Premier Cru's minimum investment is the lowest in the market, at £1,500 and/or £100 per month.