Prices for the Bordeaux 2024 en primeur wines have significantly decreased, marking a notable shift in the market. Esteemed estates like Lafite Rothschild, Angélus, and Cheval Blanc have slashed their prices by approximately 30% compared to last year. This adjustment brings their wines back to price points not seen in over a decade.
Farr Vintners pointed out that the release price for Lafite Rothschild 2024 is £1,713 per six-bottle case, a level last observed 16 years ago. Similarly, Liv-ex reported Cheval Blanc’s 2024 vintage at €276 per bottle, the lowest since 2008. Montrose 2024 has also generated interest with a price of £1,014 for a dozen bottles, showcasing its stable quality as remarked by experts at Vinum Fine Wines.
While many consumers are drawn to these reduced prices, the general response to the releases has been marked by caution. The ongoing economic uncertainties and tariff issues, particularly affecting US buyers, contribute to a somewhat subdued reception. For instance, Shaun Bishop of JJ Buckley noted that for the first time, they are not promoting a Bordeaux en primeur campaign, suggesting clients wait until tariffs are settled before engaging further.
The en primeur campaign is anticipated to see a busy schedule of releases soon, yet there remains a noticeable reluctance among buyers to commit, possibly due to waiting for additional offerings to hit the market. Despite this, there are still opportunities for buyers eager to enhance their collections, with strong demand observed for specific brands like Lafite and Cheval Blanc, albeit without the usual urgency.
Experts agree that this year’s en primeur campaign presents challenges, but it also features promising highlights for wine enthusiasts. A full report on Bordeaux 2024 will be available exclusively for Decanter Premium subscribers soon.