The February 2025 edition of Decanter magazine takes a deep dive into the Bordeaux wine market, assessing where it stands today and what lies ahead.
The findings reveal a dip in prices over the last two years, reflecting wider challenges within the fine wine sector.
Bordeaux Market Overview
Supported by the esteemed Bordeaux Index and its LiveTrade online platform, Decanter’s Market Watch offers valuable perspectives on the current dynamics of Bordeaux.
Despite its position as the most actively traded fine wine region, demand from collectors has shown signs of cooling.
While the quality of Bordeaux wines has notably improved in recent years, there’s a perception that collectors are exploring other options, possibly weary from less-than-stellar en primeur campaigns.
Insights from Bordeaux Index suggest that the overall revival of the fine wine market could provide a boost to Bordeaux.
Nonetheless, some industry experts emphasize the need for strategic adjustments in pricing and distribution to reignite interest in the region.
There’s an underlying optimism about Bordeaux’s enduring significance, combined with an awareness of the potential advantages these changes could bring.
Recent Developments and Future Evaluations
In February, Bordeaux Index plans to assess the top wines from the highly regarded 2015 vintage, an evaluation that could yield meaningful insights.
LiveTrade data has indicated that since their en primeur debut, the prices of several high-profile Bordeaux wines have demonstrated erratic patterns.
Additionally, Liv-ex, an international trading platform, has reported an excess of stock among younger Bordeaux vintages.
This saturation has contributed to a 4% decline in the Bordeaux 500 index over five years, ending in 2024.
In this month’s Market Watch, a survey by consulting firm Wine Lister reveals mixed sentiments among respondents about when a general recovery in the fine wine market might occur.
Upcoming Highlights in the Fine Wine Calendar
The latest issue also features an ‘Upcoming Events’ section that showcases several key dates to watch:
- Château Latour 2016 Release: Renowned first growth Château Latour is set to release the coveted 2016 vintage for the first time in mid-March.
- Hospices de Nuits-St-Georges Auction: Taking place on March 9, this annual charity auction for Burgundy wines will unfold at Château du Clos de Vougeot.
Like its Beaune counterpart, it allows bidders to participate in person, online, or via phone, as facilitated by organizer iDealwine.
- La Paulée Festival: Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this festival dedicated to Burgundy wines will hold events across various locations: in San Francisco from February 27 to March 1, Blackberry Farm in Tennessee from March 2 to 5, and New York City from March 5 to 8.
More information is available on the La Paulée website.
Please keep in mind that release dates may change.
Looking ahead, the March 2025 issue of Decanter will shift its focus to Champagne, exploring its role within the fine wine market landscape.
Source: Decanter
