The La Place 2025 campaign has continued its steady expansion, with more than 130 wines offered through the centuries-old Bordeaux distribution network.
Traditionally, La Place de Bordeaux was the historic system through which Bordeaux châteaux released their wines to international merchants. Over the past two decades, however, it has evolved into a global platform, increasingly used by top estates from Tuscany, California, Chile, Argentina, and beyond. For investors and collectors, La Place provides access to some of the world’s most sought-after wines at the time of release—making it a critical barometer for pricing trends, demand, and brand positioning.
According to WineCap, the 2025 campaign unfolds against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, with the fine wine market still digesting the downturn that began in late 2022. Lower release prices have become not only common but expected, as estates adapt to softer demand. Some producers have paused their participation, while others have leaned further into La Place to secure visibility and distribution.
Departures and Pauses
Not all estates are present this year. Montes Muse, Destiny Bay, and Bibi Graetz’s Balocchi are absent. Penfolds Bin 169 was not produced in 2023, while Cloudburst skipped its 2022 Malbec. Limited production also explains the absence of Testamatta and Colore Bianco from Bibi Graetz’s range.
Shifting Timelines
Another trend noted by WineCap is the shift in release windows. A number of prestigious estates have opted to move from the crowded September calendar to March. These include Hermitage La Chapelle, Napa’s Favia, Chile’s Viñedo Chadwick, and Jackson Family Wines’ Cardinale.
New Entrants
Despite some withdrawals, La Place continues to globalise. This year’s debutants include:
- Argentina (Mendoza): Zuccardi El Camino de las Flores
- Australia (Clare Valley): Jim Barry Florita
- Australia (Tasmania): Arras Grand Vintage
- France (Loire): Vincent Delaporte (Sancerre), Domaine Luneau Papin (Muscadet), Laurent Lebrun (Pouilly-Fumé), Sébastien Brunet (Vouvray)
- Spain (Ribeira Sacra): Cornamús (F. Algueira)
- USA (California): Flowers (Pinot Noir & Chardonnay)
Key Releases and Market Performance
Masseto
The 2022 Masseto launched at GBP 6,140 / EUR 7,220 per 12×75, down 1% from 2021. Scored 95 points by Antonio Galloni, it was described as “elegant and polished,” though notably his lowest score since 2014. By comparison, the 2021 (100 points) and earlier vintages such as 2017 and 2018 look more compelling investments, all priced below the brand’s 10-year average of GBP 7,812 / EUR 9,186.
WineCap’s Masseto Index has climbed 67% in the past decade.
Solaia
The 2022 vintage was released at GBP 3,300 / EUR 3,880 per 12×75, flat on 2021. However, the 2021 scored 100 points and has since softened in value, making earlier vintages such as 2018 more attractive. WineCap reports the Solaia Index has risen 113% over the past decade, and values are up 3% in the last six months, underlining resilience despite market turbulence.
Opus One
California’s flagship release, the 2022 Opus One, entered the market at GBP 2,820 / EUR 3,315 per 12×75, receiving 92+ points from Galloni, 96 from Jane Anson, and 95–97 from Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW. WineCap notes the brand has performed strongly: +4% in six months, +18% in five years, +95% in ten years. Back vintages from 2018 and 2019, with higher scores, present better value.
Penfolds Grange
The 2021 release achieved 98 points from Jane Anson and Erin Larkin (Wine Advocate). While priced slightly lower than the 2020, it remains above many older vintages. According to WineCap, stronger value lies in highly rated 2015 and 2016 vintages.
Seña
Chile’s iconic Seña 2023 was released at GBP 720 / EUR 845 per 12×75, down 36% compared to 2022. The vintage received 95 points from Joaquin Hidalgo (Vinous) and Jane Anson, yet buyers may prefer the 2018 (95 points) or 2019 (96 points), which remain cheaper. WineCap’s Seña Index is +2% in the last six months, +70% in the last decade.
Almaviva
Also from Chile, Almaviva 2023 was offered at GBP 924 / EUR 1,085 per 12×75, with 96 points from Hidalgo. Back vintages such as 2019 and 2020, however, may represent equal or better value. The Almaviva Index has soared 141% in ten years, with the average case price now GBP 1,565 / EUR 1,840.
Outlook
The 2025 La Place campaign reflects the dual reality of today’s fine wine market: on one hand, price cuts, cautious sentiment, and producer withdrawals; on the other, continued globalisation and strong brand performance from the world’s most iconic wines.
WineCap analysis suggests that while headline releases attract attention, back vintages often offer stronger value and proven returns. For investors and collectors alike, the key lies in selectivity and strategic timing.
Source: WineCap