In the investment world, vintage wines are becoming increasingly noticeable and financially promising. Elite wines such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti from Burgundy and Château Lafite Rothschild from Bordeaux, as well as Malbecs from Argentina, are valued not only for their rarity but also for the meticulous process behind each bottle. The experience and intuition of oenologists – wine science specialists – play a key role in predicting the potential of a wine, whether it will become legendary or fade into oblivion.

Market Size

The global wine industry is significant, with revenues estimated at $333 billion in 2023, and an expected average annual growth of 5.52% from 2023 to 2027, according to Statista. The Liv-ex Fine Wine 1000 index showed a 10% increase since the beginning of 2022, and the vintage wine market demonstrated a 16% growth last year, steadily increasing by an average of 8% over the last 15 years.

Rating System

Annual ratings such as Wine Spectator and Decanter evaluate wines on scales up to 100 points. These publications can increase interest in certain wines and create a buzz around them, which can lead to up to 20% annual returns on investment.

When purchasing, it is recommended to choose wines from 95 points. For example:

France:

 • Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Conti Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits​ (around 100 points)

Italy:

 • Vigneti Villabella, Fracastoro, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva, Veneto

Spain:

 • Lustau, 30 Years Old, Oloroso, Sherry

Argentina:

 • Bodega Norton, Privada Family Blend, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza

Australia:

 • Domaine Naturaliste, Rebus Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, Western Australia, 2020 — 97 points

USA (Napa Valley):

 • Harlan Estate’s Bordeaux Red Blend — 97 points with an average price of $1485

Proper storage of wine and purchasing in large batches are important to avoid loss of value and to achieve a profit proportional to the investment.

Historical Significance of European Wines

The stories of wines, such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, are closely linked with legendary winemakers like Aubert de Villaine and Henri Jayer. For instance, the last bottles from the renowned Burgundian winemaker Henri Jayer were sold at an auction in Geneva for $35 million.

In 1811, astronomers recorded a comet that would have entered history with the nondescript catalog number C/1811F, had it not marked an extremely fortunate year for European winemakers, especially in the provinces of Burgundy, Cognac, and Champagne. The comet was depicted on corks and labels — this symbol became a sign of quality for “comet wines.”