When it comes to the priciest Chardonnays in the world, the picture remains remarkably consistent: Burgundy reigns supreme, while the rest of the wine world — from California’s opulent “butterballs” to Australia’s mineral-driven styles — doesn’t even make the cut.
According to Wine-Searcher’s 2025 rankings, the top 25 most expensive Chardonnays are all from Burgundy, and the next 25 are likely the same. The common denominator is the Jurassic limestone ridge that has long been the source of some of the planet’s most coveted (and costly) wines, both red and white.
The Leroy Legacy
In both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir rankings, one name continues to dominate: Leroy. If you look at the top 10 wines for each grape, 13 of the 20 come from this one producer.
Last year, Leroy accounted for nine of the most expensive Chardonnays. This year, the number has dipped slightly to eight — hardly a collapse, more like missing a note in an otherwise perfect symphony.
The prices are based on Wine-Searcher’s Global Average Retail Price (GARP) in USD and reflect the current market snapshot.
2025 Top 10 Most Expensive Chardonnays
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Leroy Domaine d’Auvenay Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru – USD 25,947
Up from last year’s USD 20,690, climbing from second to first place. -
Leroy Domaine d’Auvenay Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru – USD 23,168
Last year’s #1, now narrowly edged into second place. -
Leroy Domaine d’Auvenay Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru – USD 22,753
A newcomer to the list, debuting high at #3. -
Domaine Leflaive Montrachet Grand Cru – USD 18,456
Another debut, breaking Leroy’s streak with a strong entry. -
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Montrachet Grand Cru – USD 11,053
Down from #4 last year and slightly cheaper than 2024’s USD 11,459. -
Leroy Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru – USD 10,913
Dropped from #3 last year and down from USD 11,867. -
Leroy Domaine d’Auvenay Les Gouttes d’Or – USD 9,674
One spot lower than last year but increased in value from USD 8,682. -
Leroy Domaine d’Auvenay Puligny-Montrachet Les Enseignères – USD 8,908
Down from last year’s #5 at USD 9,129. -
Leroy Domaine d’Auvenay Les Folatières – USD 8,844
Slight value gain from USD 8,666 despite losing a rank. -
Leroy Domaine d’Auvenay Meursault – USD 8,791
Down from #6 last year, with a marginal price rise from USD 8,754.
Price Trends: Mostly Rising, Rarely Falling
Of the top 10, seven wines increased in value, while only three dropped slightly. Even those decreases are relative — when the “cheapest” wine in the top 10 still costs $8,791, any dip is more a ripple than a crash.
Examples:
- Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Montrachet fell USD 406 from last year but has more than doubled in price since 2015.
- Leroy Corton-Charlemagne dropped nearly USD 954 from 2024 but remains far above its USD 1,424 price in 2015.
- Puligny-Montrachet Les Enseignères fell USD 221 from last year but has skyrocketed from USD 732 in 2017.
The Takeaway
Leroy’s dominance may have loosened by the smallest fraction — allowing Domaine Leflaive and DRC to break into the upper ranks — but the estate still commands the majority of the market’s most expensive Chardonnays.
In Burgundy’s rarefied air, price drops are negligible and long-term value remains rock-solid. For collectors, these bottles remain not just luxury items but investment-grade assets, buoyed by scarcity, pedigree, and the enduring prestige of Côte d’Or terroir.
Source: Wine-Searcher