The latest weekly trade report confirms Bordeaux’s stronghold on the fine wine market, supported by robust activity in both back vintages and the 2023 En Primeur releases.
While Bordeaux led the market with 41.0% of total trade by value, Burgundy and Champagne followed as formidable contenders, contributing 20.7% and 11.0% respectively. Notably, Champagne claimed the top spot for both value and volume in traded wines, with Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2008 taking center stage.
Bordeaux: Still the Benchmark
Bordeaux maintained its leadership in the fine wine market, driven by a dual trend: active trading of back vintages and early En Primeur purchases. With 41.0% of trade by value, the region saw strong activity for Château Lafite Rothschild, whose 2023 vintage traded at GBP 4,180 (EUR 4,885) per 12×75—a notable 15.0% below its release price. This followed its 2022 vintage’s steeper pricing, illustrating a new pricing strategy aimed at value-driven collectors.
Additionally, Château d’Armailhac 2021 garnered attention on the volume charts, with a price of GBP 372 (EUR 435) per 12×75 and strong critic scores.
Champagne: Spotlight on Taittinger
Champagne secured 11.0% of total trade value, largely due to high demand for Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2008. This iconic release dominated both value and volume rankings, with 75cl bottles trading at GBP 1,680 (EUR 1,963) per 12×75, while magnums fetched GBP 2,412 (EUR 2,819). The pricing premium for large formats underlined growing interest in aged and collectible Champagnes.
Burgundy: Steady and Selective Growth
Burgundy contributed 20.7% of weekly trade value, led by both high-end and entry-level wines. On the high-value end, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tâche Grand Cru 2018 traded at GBP 79,980 (EUR 93,474) per case, reflecting the region’s prestige appeal. Meanwhile, Domaine Gros Frère et Soeur’s Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits Rouge offered access to Burgundy at GBP 260 (EUR 304) per 12×75, exemplifying its market breadth.
Other Regional Insights
- Tuscany accounted for 9.8% of trade, holding steady with continued interest in Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino 2013.
- California saw a slight drop from 4.2% to 3.5%, but Ridge Geyserville 2020 still featured among top-traded wines.
- Piedmont grew modestly from 5.1% to 5.6%, suggesting rising buyer interest.
- The Rhone remained stable at 2.0%.
- The ‘Others’ category jumped to 6.4%, buoyed by the appearance of Hibiki Blended 30YO Whisky—a reminder of the blurred boundaries between fine wine and luxury spirits in today’s market.
The En Primeur Campaign Accelerates
The Bordeaux 2023 En Primeur campaign is progressing briskly, with major releases continuing to shape buyer interest. Highlights include:
- Château Cheval Blanc 2023 – GBP 4,680
- Château Lafite Rothschild 2023 – GBP 4,180
- Château Haut-Brion Blanc 2023 – GBP 6,540
- Château Ausone 2023 – GBP 5,280
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Cos d’Estournel 2023 – GBP 1,440
(All prices per 12×75)
The trend of more attractive release prices compared to 2022 is contributing to renewed confidence in this year’s campaign, even as buyers remain selective.
Conclusion
This week’s trading update reaffirms Bordeaux’s commanding presence, supported by strategic En Primeur pricing and strong back vintage demand. Meanwhile, Burgundy and Champagne maintain their allure, offering both collectible prestige and broader market access. The presence of global regions and even premium whisky further emphasizes the evolving and diversified nature of the fine wine investment landscape.
Source: Liv-ex