The place of Bordeaux has been heard. While the trading world was waiting for a “strong signal” – to use the words of Jean-Christophe Estève, specialist in en primeur sales to individuals – the first releases from major Bordeaux châteaux augur clear support for marketing. This Thursday, May 2, Château Lafite-Rothschild, the first of the 1855 premier grands crus to be revealed, has just announced a drop of 32% compared to the 2022 vintage (396 euros per bottle).
Several great Girondin wines follow the same trend, whatever the bank. Châteaux Pontet Canet (Pauillac, fifth classified grand cru, 64 euros per bottle) or Valandraud (Saint-Émilion, first classified grand cru B, 127 euros per bottle) notably recorded drops of 27 and 24%. The variation even reaches -40% for Léoville Las Cases (198 euros per bottle), one of the flagships of the Saint-Julien appellation.
Expected releases
During a month of May punctuated by long bridges and which must end with the Asian Vinexpo in Hong Kong, the release schedule looks set to be rhythmic. Over the coming days and weeks, discerning eyes will not miss the first prize for Mouton Rothschild (Pauillac, premier grand cru classified) expected this Monday, May 6, that of Cheval Blanc (Saint-Émilion) on May 13 or Haut- Brion (Pessac-Léognan, Premier Grand Cru Classé) on May 14. In the meantime, although it is still too early to identify a trend in the early produce market, the trade welcomes these first indicators of prices revised downwards. “On the one hand, the property is taking the lead by leaving early and it has heard our messages,” explains Philippe Tapie, new president of Bordeaux Négoce, which brings together almost the entire Bordeaux trade. There is a general awareness of the complexity of the situation. »
This signal comes in a very delicate economic context when “the Chinese market is almost no longer there”, specifies Philippe Tapie. In 2019, in the midst of the Covid crisis, a significant drop in prices gave rise to a very dynamic and promising early produce campaign. But the situation is such today that everyone remains very careful. “We must give ourselves time to work,” continues Philippe Tapie. We hope that the market will be responsive to the efforts made. »
What are early vegetables?
The primeur campaign, offered every year since 1970 in Bordeaux, allows you to buy wines while they are still maturing, and therefore not yet bottled. For professionals or individuals, this can be an opportunity to make good deals when investing because these first prices are generally the most interesting. This campaign began at the end of April with the primeurs week during which tastings of the new vintage were organized throughout the vineyard. The Union des grands crus Bordeaux notably welcomed nearly 5,000 professionals, noting a “return in force” of international prescribers, representing a third of the visitors.
