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What’s making waves in the market
Bordeaux 2020 en primeur may have generated a few sparks, but recent trading highlights also reveal market interest in back-vintages. Four vintages of Château Lafite Rothschild ranked in the top 10 traded wines by value on Liv-ex in the first half of 2021.
The top 10, in order, is: Lafite 2018, Sassicaia 2018, Screaming Eagle 2018, Domaine Ponsot, Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes 2018, Lafite 2017, Sassicaia 2017, Scarecrow 2018, Lafite 2015, Dom Pérignon 2010, Lafite 2016.
Liv-ex noted stronger trading on Bordeaux 2010 and 2009 wines more generally during June. Haut-Bailly 2009 rose the most, up 3.9% versus May to £1,575 (12x 75cl in bond).
As previously reported, some merchants have highlighted renewed momentum for Bordeaux in the past year. ‘It’s a strong market,’ said Matthew O’Connell, head of investment at Bordeaux Index.
Initial reports suggest a mixed Bordeaux
2020 en primeur campaign, albeit with strong demand for some wines, such as Lafite, Cheval Blanc and Margaux. Yet O’Connell said en primeur had also generated knock-on interest in Bordeaux 2018 wines, with Bordeaux’s 2015 and 2016 vintages also attracting greater attention this year.
Trading exchange Wine Owners noticed buyers eyeing Bordeaux 2019. ‘Better priced 2019s that were down on 2018-vintage release prices and which hadn’t budged since last year’s release price got snapped up as this year’s [2020] campaign played out.’ Of 2020 releases, it tipped Les Carmes Haut-Brion and Carruades de
Lafite as ‘top buys for an immediate return’.