Domaines Barons de Rothschild is ending its seven-year relationship with Chinese importer Summergate. From 1 January 2011, distribution of exclusive DBR wines will be held by ASC Fine Wines. DBR (Lafite) said in a statement that ‘after years of successful collaboration, this will permit to both companies to independently reach their own goals in a fast growing market.’ Summergate’s founding partner Brendan O’Toole made clear that the split was amicable, and that ‘the relationship has been a very successful one for both parties.’ He went on, ‘Summergate believes that the interests of its producers…customers…and stakeholders will be best served by remaining independent and free of any single brand owner holding an equity interest in the company.’