Château Cheval Blanc has unveiled its 2025 vintage en primeur amid one of the smallest harvests recorded since 1961. On May 11, it was offered by UK merchants for approximately £2,010 per six bottles in bond, displaying a price increase compared to the previous year. This release comes as part of a much-anticipated Bordeaux 2025 vintage, which has garnered significant acclaim.
Rated at 96 points by Decanter’s Georgie Hindle, Cheval Blanc’s 2025 offering is noted for its limited production. UK merchant Farr Vintners reported a yield of just 55,000 bottles, a sharp decline from the 128,000 bottles produced in 2023. The wine’s ex-négociant price stands at €336 per bottle, reflecting a 20% year-on-year increase, although last year’s price was notably low, being the lowest since 2008.
Liv-ex, a global marketplace for fine wines, mentioned that Cheval Blanc is releasing all produced wine en primeur this year, deviating from the usual practice of holding back part of the production for aging. This strategy could influence collectors’ decisions on whether to purchase the wine en primeur.
The Bordeaux 2025 en primeur campaign has just started, with few wines released. Châteaux are currently navigating a challenging market while balancing a prestigious yet notably small crop. Recently, Pontet-Canet initiated the campaign, and market expert Miles Davis noted a surprising volume of sales despite expectations.
Additionally, L’Evangile from Pomerol, part of Domaines Baron de Rothschild (Lafite), has also released its 2025 vintage at a constant price compared to last year. Rated similarly at 96 points, it is being offered around £582 for six bottles, representing the lowest release price since 2014.
Château de Fieuzal from Pessac Léognan is another mention, with a rating of 94 points and priced around £140 for six bottles, indicating potential value for collectors keeping a close eye on the 2025 vintage landscape.
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