They were buying a lot for consumption too. Drinking (or gifting) a bottle of Lafite or Petrus is a good way to show how wealthy you are.
Re:Why my startup failed
by seanmcdirmid on Thursday March 14, 2013 @10:50AM
(#5375300)
Ya, but most couldn't tell the cheap stuff from the expensive stuff, wine scams are common here even at the most reputable high end establishment.
For me, the cheap Xinjiang wine is good enough.