Early Bordeaux wine sales for the 2025 vintage have seen an uptick compared to the previous year, although the overall market remains cautious and somewhat subdued. Geraint Carter from Bordeaux Index noted that initial sales were better than the weaker 2024 campaign, and some notable wines, like Cheval Blanc 2025, were sold out rapidly. However, the broader environment remains challenging due to economic uncertainties, suggesting that while it is a good time for consumers looking to build a cellar, release prices aren’t deemed compelling.
According to merchants like Thomas Parker of Farr Vintners and Will Hargrove of Corney & Barrow, top sellers included Batailley and Lynch-Bages, alongside Lafite wines, though they observed that buyer demand hasn’t reached previous highs. The Liv-ex Bordeaux 500 index indicates a 16.5% decline in value over the past five years, retracing to mid-2016 levels.
Carter emphasized that for those interested in affordable, quality Bordeaux, the well-regarded 2019 vintage presents an excellent alternative, as it has already been aged and incurs no additional storage costs. This underscores a potential opportunity for newcomers willing to build a quality drinking cellar at accessible prices, even if investment returns aren’t guaranteed in the current market landscape.
Furthermore, discussions on en primeur highlight its role as a marketing event with fluctuating visibility, which has led to buyer skepticism about release quantities. Better consumer engagement is essential, especially as varied choices abound in today’s wine market.
As Bordeaux faces challenges, the overarching sentiment reflects a cautious but hopeful outlook for collectors and connoisseurs looking to enjoy quality wines from the region.