As the chart below shows, 'lesser' or 'off' vintage Lafite (01, 02, 04, 06, 07, 08) has signficantly outperformed top vintages (00, 03, 05, 09) over recent months. While the prices for wines from the best years continues to fall, less heralded vintages are fighting something of a comeback, up almost 5% in value since the start of August. (Although top vintages remain 50% more expensive, at and average of £8,000 per case, compared to £5,300)
Interesting, we are now seeing the same pattern in Haut Brion and Mouton Rothschild, with demand having started to pick up in November. In contrast, Margaux and Latour remain becalmed.
In general, First Growths from lesser vintages have found most favour in Asia. Is this the first clear sign that buyers in the Far East are starting to dip their toes back into First Growth Bordeaux?
