What was once a stretch of barren desert is now the bustling city of Dubai, the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates.
Though the global financial crisis has affected this boomtown too, it is still one of the must visit places on the agenda of most tourists.
Dubai is famous for its shopping malls and souks. The vast variety of goods available would gladden the heart of the most inveterate shopaholic.
Dubai Airport, one of the busiest in the region, is home to Dubai Duty Free, a world famous shoppers’ paradise of over 5400 square metres within the Concourse. Here you can select from a wide variety of premium merchandise at very reasonable rates. You can purchase jewellery, electronics, luxury goods etc.
The newest attraction is what is touted as the world’s most exclusive travel retail wine and spirits store, the Le Clos.
Le Clos has opened in Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3 selling some of the rarest wines in the world, duty free. Retail outlets of Le Clos are located in the First Class Lounge and on the shopping concourse.
The shop lists over 400 wines, mostly from France, Italy and the US, but also from South Africa, Spain, Australia, Chile and New Zealand.
Some of the world’s most sought after fine wines that are stocked here include Château Petrus 1947 (£7,625/bottle), Château Cheval Blanc 1961 in magnum (£9,607) and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti 2005 (£16,945).
For those who cannot afford such prices, the store also stocks a number of New World wines at more reasonable prices, including vintages from Napa icons, Opus One, Harlan Estate and Screaming Eagle.
The store is run by Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI), a subsidiary of The Emirates Group.
Wine advisors with expertise on specific regions and varietals are around to help with selecting the best fine wines. Buying options are varied: You can place your order through the online store and collect your purchase from the store before you fly out of Dubai. Should you be returning to Dubai, you can choose your wines ahead of time and pick them up after your flight.
Tags: Château Cheval Blanc, Château Pétrus, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Fine wine investment