Put simply, an allocation refers to the amount of wine made available to us, and in turn, what we can offer to our customers. Not every wine is allocated, but many are — especially in vintages where supply is tight or demand is particularly high. 

The reasons for allocation vary. In some cases, it's due to small production volumes caused by vintage conditions. In others, it's about demand outstripping supply — something that’s not uncommon when it comes to top châteaux, especially in strong vintages.

There are other factors at play too: global demand, longstanding partnerships, and trade relationships all influence which wines are allocated and how they’re distributed. Bordeaux remains one of the most in-demand fine wine regions globally, and in exceptional vintages, competition for these wines can be significant.

While much of Bordeaux is traded through the open market system known as La Place, some wines are available only through specific négociants. In some cases, exclusive distribution agreements mean certain wines are only available in select countries, and only to those with the right importer relationships in place.

This is where connections matter. Securing an allocation of a rare or highly sought-after wine usually requires deep relationships and a proven track record with the négociants who handle distribution. 

At Normanby Fine Wines, we’re fortunate to have built strong partnerships over many years — and as a result, we’re generally able to secure the wines our customers are looking for. On the rare occasion we aren’t able to fulfil every request, we always approach allocation as fairly and transparently as possible.

One thing that helps enormously is consistency. If you’ve supported a wine over multiple vintages, we’ll do our best to continue offering it to you year after year. That said, we also make space for new collectors to access great wines — En Primeur is for everyone, and we want to support you whether you’re just starting or adding to a deep collection.

The best first step? Talk to our team. Let us know which wines you’re considering, or where your interests lie, and we’ll work closely with you to help secure what you’re after.