Since July, the fine wine market – and the First Growths in particular – have been under considerable pressure. With traders turning to wines that offer value, the more affordable Super Seconds have fared far better than their First Growth cousins. But what of Mission Haut Brion, which occupies the no man's land between the Super Seconds and the Firsts?
The last ten physical vintages of Mission are trading at an average of £2,250 per case, compared to £1,015 for Cos d'Estournel and £4,930 for the First Growths. And whilst the Firsts have fallen by an average of six per cent in the last 12 months (for vintages 1999-2008), it would seem that Mission has drawn closer to the Super Seconds, having risen 21 per cent year on year. Nonetheless, prices have drifted recently and the label has lost eight per cent since the end of June.
The table below shows Mission Haut Brion's position in the market relative to the First Growths and Super Seconds, Cos d'Estournel and Leoville Las Cases. As you can see, the brand hovers in the middle ground in terms of both price and performance.
All prices are for vintages 1999-2008.
