Of course, Bordeaux differs from pork bellies in that when futures are offered, the wine is still in the barrels, unbottled, and won't be released for 12 to 18 months. Futures, in other words, are an extreme form of delayed gratification. Once past this phase, the importers take over, where the U.S. market is concerned. Some importers offer futures for sale directly to individual consumers. Others simply sell their futures allocation to wholesalers, retailers and restaurants.
Merchants are the final part of the process.
Through them, most consumers purchase futures. Their goal is to obtain firsthand knowledge of the new wines. Then the percentages kick in. First, you must find a reputable merchant, one who can deliver the wine and whose futures prices are realistic. Wash. Suspicious volume is also reason for concern.