Wine Spectator: Mouton-Rothschild Launches The 2014 Bordeaux Futures Campaign

After weeks of hints and whispers, Bordeaux’s futures campaign for its 2014 vintage got its unofficial start Tuesday morning when first-growth Château Mouton-Rothschild released its initial allotment of futures at a price of €240 ex-négociant, or $263. While a few properties had released in the past two weeks, the first-growths often set the tone for the campaign, and more prices are expected to be announced in coming days. The question remains, however, will consumers buy in significant amounts?

The release price in Bordeaux for 2014 Mouton-Rothschild is €240 ex-négociant, the price to the trade (an increase of 11% over the ex-négoce price of the ’13 Mouton). From there, markups through the distribution system will likely result in the wine selling for approximately $350 per bottle at retail in the U.S. The Wine Spectator rated the 2014 Bordeaux vintage at 91-94 points for the Left Bank, compared to 83-86 points for the 2013. The Wine Spectator rated 2014 Mouton in barrel at 95-98 points versus 91-94 for its 2013. The other first growths and other prominent chateaus will likely release their prices in the next few weeks as the en primeur campaign heats up.

Classified-growth Bordeaux faces a challenging landscape. The past four sales campaigns were weak, and négociants have large stocks of unsold wines in their cellars. Many longtime customers in America and Europe have turned to improving lesser-known Bordeauxs and other wine regions, and wealthy Chinese buyers who eagerly purchased expensive 2009 futures have slowed spending. As in recent years, everything will depend on the prices. Wine Spectator has the full story.

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Tagged : Bordeaux, Château Mouton-Rothschild

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