Wine Spectator: Bordeaux Is Back And Prices Are Rising

A month into Bordeaux’s latest futures campaign, it’s becoming clear that owners of many of the top wineries in the world believe the global economy will come roaring back. Price increases of 15% to 30% in early weeks have given way to wines going for 40%, 50%, even 60% more than last year’s futures. What’s more, they are releasing smaller quantities of futures than last year, a sign that they believe the 2020 vintage will only grow more valuable in coming years as the world begins to put the Covid-19 pandemic in the rear mirror.

This week has brought more first-growths to the campaign. Château Mouton-Rothschild released its futures yesterday for €432 per bottle ex-négociant, up 53% on the 2019 release. The futures will likely retail in the U.S. for about $630 per bottle, or $7,560 per case, close to 60% higher than the 2019 futures on release.

Château Margaux released its 2020 futures on June 22 for €432 per bottle, ex-négociant, up 30% on the 2019’s opening price. Leading U.S. retailers are selling it for $629 per bottle, or $7,458 a case, a 37% increase on the 2019s. Ironically, that price may still represent good value. It’s still well below the current prices of the 2016 and 2015 vintages. Wine Spectator is tracking all the 2020 Bordeaux futures prices as they’re released. —Mitch Frank, Cassia Schifter

Tagged : Bordeaux Futures, Château Mouton-Rothschild, Wine Spectator

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