Secret Concierge

The prices for Bordeaux keep commanding the news this week because they are lower than they have been for a while. Chateau Mouton Rothschild released its 2008 vintage at 100 euros, the lowest so far of the first growths (Chateau Latour was released at 110 euros). The new price is half the price of the 2007 which was 26 percent lower than the 2006.

The wine chateaux are all releasing at low prices to help keep the market functioning. The strategy of low prices seems to be attracting attention after years of inflated prices. Decanter reports that Chateau Leoville Barton has already sold 85 percent of its production after releasing its Bordeaux at a price of 23 euros per bottle this morning down from last year’s 27 euros. Chateau Gruaud Larose released the whole of its 2008 production today, at 19.50 euros down from last year’s 24 euros.

Some wineries are reducing the amount of discounted wine they are making available as Chateau Angelus did, making just enough available to whet appetites until fortunes change.

Sales of champagne have been falling across the board but it was the combination of both champagne and cognac that led to decreased sales at Remy Cointreau. The Paris-based distiller has released earnings which show that sales fell 13 percent for the year ending March 31. The company made 714 million euros versus 817.8 million euros last year. The champagne division of the company which includes the Piper-Heidsieck label saw sales fall 12 percent. But the company saw its biggest division, cognac, take a 14 percent dip. One of the few bright spots was Mount Gay rum which has increased its share in the U.S.

The company said that the economic slump, especially in the U.S. and Russia was to blame for the decline. So far the company’s stock has lost 33 percent of its value in 2009 and had a 39.5 percent decline in 2008.

Remy Cointreau has decided to act as its own distributor instead of relying on the distribution network Maxxium. An article in Forbes declares that this may be a risky move for the small collection of brands especially since it pitches mainly to the premium market whereas larger companies like Pernod Ricard and Diageo have a wider range of brands.

There have been reports that movie bosses are strongly considering casting Lindsay Lohan in a biopic of singer Stevie Nicks. But Stevie Nicks has said that such plans will materialize “over my dead body.”

Stevie Nicks, the 60 year-old Fleetwood Mac star has said that she will not allow Lohan would portray her in a movie about her life. The reason being that by the time she approves of such a film the Mean Girls star will be too old to portray such a character.

There are also suggestions that Lindsay is looking to buy the rights for the film on the life of the singer so that she can get the project moving forward quickly enough. But this theory has Nicks outraged. Speaking to the New York Times Stevie Nicks says, “Over my dead body. She needs to stop doing drugs and get a grip. Then maybe we’ll talk.”

The supermodel recently expressed her intentions of adopting a child from her native country of Brazil in order to expand her family. Gisele Bundchen said the following about her adoption plans: “I would love to adopt a child from Brazil. When you come from Sao Paulo and have seen five-year-olds sniffing glue on the street corner, you think you could make a difference in their life. A difference that would make your time on Earth worthwhile.” Yeah, it’s always the differences that rise us above our petty mortal condition. But still, it’s not only the Brazilian five year-olds that sniff glue on the street corner and Gisele Bundchen probably knows it’s an ever growing fact. Still, her pursuit is a noble one or at least so it would seem.

The name Dreicer isn’t a household name anymore but Dreicer & Company was once one of the major jewelry stores in America. In the first quarter of the 20th Century, Dreicer did business on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, catering to New York’s elite. But in 1923 the firm was liquidated with Cartier ultimately buying their stock for $2.5 million the following year. As you might expect, this history makes Dreicer signed pieces highly collectible to those with an interest in rare jewelry. The piece shown above will be auctioned off during the Bonhams Fine Jewelry sale on April 20.

The belle époque diamond and natural pearl necklace is dated circa 1905 and has an estimated total diamond weight of 22.50 carats. It features an openwork cascade of old European-cut diamonds with sixteen round gray natural pearls. The necklace is signed Dreicer & Co and is estimated at $100,000-200,000.

The divorce proceedings between Mel Gibson and wife of 28 years Robyn Gibson shocked a lot of people in and out of the industry because the couple (most especially Mel Gibson) is known for being devoted Catholics and the faith does not recognize divorce. The reason for the divorce was not so clear then but here comes a 24-year old Russian pop singer who claims to be the reason behind the divorce.

Oksana Pochepa said she has a romantic relationship with the 53-year old Mel Gibson. Oksana Pochepa admitted she was with Mel Gibson in a Costa Rica beach last March and they were even photographed while she was kissing him. Oksana Pochepa said their relationship is serious and she hopes it would be strong and long-lasting. Mel Gibson apparently met Oksana Pochepa last August when the singer was hired to compose a song for “Edge of Darkness”, Mel Gibson’s new thriller movie.

Amy Winehouse was recently arrested to answer charges that she attacked a fan who tried to get a picture of her late last year. The incident actually caused Wino to miss performing at this year’s Coachella music festival because her work visa was denied. The singer had to go to the City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court earlier this week to face a judge on the charges where she entered a not guilty plea to the common assault charge. Leave it to Wino to head to court in style as the recovering addict showed up wearing a mini floral dress with her boobs out for the world to see. It’s not the best choice of outfits but it’s definitely Wino.

Designed to reflect the flamboyant ikat fabric of Istanbul, this colorful clutch from Felix Rey reminds me of the tribal essence in many fashion items last summer. With only twenty in production this bag will surely be an original in your social circle. Felix Rey designs are already adored by such celebrities as JLo, Paris Hilton and Sarah Jessica Parker which raises its standing in my book. Priced at £260 it won’t break the bank. Exotic style paired with a small package makes for a fantastic accessory in any wardrobe.

A writer is piling on the financial misery for divorce-bound Mel Gibson after telling a judge the star fiddled figures for a film to avoid paying him a fair fee.

Benedict Fitzgerald, who wrote Gibson’s controversial box office smash The Passion of the Christ, is suing him as he tries to get a larger paycheque for his work.

The writer said he accepted a low fee after being told the movie would have a reasonably modest $4-$7m production budget – but believes he has been lied to.

During the case, Gibson’s team produced accounting records putting the expenditure at $30m.

But Fitzgerald is now claiming the amount is even higher and is asking a judge to force a more thorough accounting.

He wants what he considers to be a fair writer’s fee based on the true cost of the movie, reported TMZ.com.

The news came just days after it emerged Gibson’s wife Robyn had filed for divorce – which could lead to a record settlement.

A large slice of Gibson’s estimated $950m fortune has come from The Passion of the Christ, which reportedly made over $600m around the world in cinemas alone.

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