Exhibit 9

 

Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) SCA

33, rue de la Baume

75008 Paris

France

 

September 3, 2004

 

Board of Directors

The Chalone Wine Group, Ltd.

621 Airpark Road

Napa, CA 94558

 

Gentlemen:

 

We are writing on behalf of ourselves (“DBR”), as well as Constellation Brands, Inc. (“CBI”) and Huneeus Vintners LLC (“HVI”, and together with ourselves and CBI, the “Partners”), in reference to the offer letter sent to you on May 17, 2004 (the “Offer Letter”) proposing a business combination transaction to The Chalone Wine Group, Ltd. (the “Company”) and the letters dated June 30, July 31, August 20 and August 27, 2004 indicating extensions of that offer (the “Extension Letter,” the “Second Extension Letter,” “Third Extension Letter,” and “Fourth Extension Letter” respectively).

 

The Fourth Extension Letter stated that the proposal contained in the Offer Letter would remain open for your consideration until September 3, 2004. We hereby extend the duration of the proposal until September 10, 2004. The remaining terms of the Offer Letter remain in full force and effect.


Very truly yours,
DOMAINES BARONS DE ROTHSCHILD (LAFITE) SCA
By:  

/s/ Christophe Salin


    Christophe Salin / Managing Director

 

SO ACKNOWLEDGED:

 

CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Thomas J. Mullin


    Thomas J. Mullin, Executive Vice
    President and General Counsel
HUNEEUS VINTNERS LLC
By:  

/s/ Agustin Huneeus


    Agustin Huneeus, Manager

 

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