This week, Bordeaux reaffirmed its dominance in the fine wine market, claiming 36.2% of trade value, a significant lead over other regions.
Among its standout performers was Petrus, which saw active trading across vintages 2021, 2020, 2019, 2016, and 2009, underlining its perennial appeal to collectors and investors alike.
Close behind was Château Lafite Rothschild, whose 2021 vintage, trading at GBP 3,908 per 12×75, captured significant attention. This price represents a 2.2% drop below its ex-château release price of EUR 390 per bottle, highlighting a trend of cautious market pricing for newer Bordeaux releases.
Burgundy Experiences a Decline
In contrast, Burgundy’s share of trade value dipped to 22.4%, down from last week’s 27.7%. Despite this, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) maintained its position as the region’s top performer, securing 24.1% of Burgundy’s trade and emerging as the most traded producer by value across all regions.
A noteworthy performer this week was Prieuré-Roch, whose Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru, Vieilles Vignes 2022 and Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru, Vieilles Vignes 2022 commanded strong interest, trading at GBP 2,384 and GBP 2,400 per 12×75 respectively. This highlights the ongoing appeal of Burgundy’s limited-production Premier Cru wines, even amid fluctuating market conditions.
Champagne Gains Momentum
Champagne’s share of trade value grew to 15.9%, buoyed by activity surrounding the highly anticipated Louis Roederer Cristal vintages. While the 2015 Cristal led the charge as Champagne’s top-traded wine by both value and volume—last trading at GBP 1,730 per 12×75—market attention also shifted to the newly offered 2016 vintage.
Priced at a 12×75 equivalent of GBP 2,124, the 2016 Cristal carries a 22.8% premium over the 2015 vintage, reflecting its anticipated demand. Notably, both vintages have received 96-point scores from Antonio Galloni of Vinous, underscoring their quality and investment potential.
Observations and Trends
The week's activity reveals key market dynamics:
- Bordeaux’s Strength: Bordeaux’s consistent performance, led by Petrus and Lafite Rothschild, underscores the region's enduring appeal, particularly for well-established names and a range of vintages.
- Burgundy’s Volatility: While Burgundy remains a powerhouse for collectors, its week-to-week fluctuations highlight the importance of standout producers like DRC in sustaining market interest.
- Champagne’s Rising Star: Champagne continues to cement its reputation as a vibrant and growing sector, driven by iconic houses like Louis Roederer and growing investor interest in vintage releases.
Fine Wine Market Outlook
With Bordeaux leading the pack, Burgundy showcasing its enduring allure, and Champagne climbing steadily, the fine wine market remains robust. As collectors and investors navigate pricing dynamics and emerging trends, the diversity of offerings across these regions ensures that the market remains as dynamic and enticing as ever.
Source: Liv-ex