The latest Bordeaux En Primeur campaign is now in full swing. 2024 will be remembered as a challenging year but winemakers with the most expertise have managed to get great results.
The cheapest vintage available on the market
2024 was one of the most expensive vintages in recent years. Due to the difficult weather conditions, with more labour and treatments involved, costs were up to 40% higher. In additions to this, yields were lower than previous years. However, due to the current market, we have seen some price reductions from most Chateaux.
Returns on En Primeur investments are weak at present. Many merchants still have unsold stock from previous years, which, combined with a declining demand, is putting a lot of pressure on price releases. Liv-ex has reported their Bordeaux 500 index fell 24% since 2022.
Based on this, we think 2024 could be a great opportunity. Many of the latest releases are currently the cheapest available on the market, making this vintage particularly attractive to newcomers.
Our top recommendation
Château Les Carmes Haut Brion
Rising star and phenomenal value Les Carmes de Haut Brion has had a stratospheric rise over the past decades while still offering very attractive prices. It is listed as 'strong sellers' every year by Liv-ex. Offered at 20% less than the previous vintage, the 2024 is the best value vintage of the past decade. It was rated in Decanter’s four “standout reds of the vintage” with 96 pts.
"One of the most impressive wines of the vintage, the 2024 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a striking effort" – Yohan Castaing, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Château Pontet Canet
Despite not reducing their prices, Ch. Pontet Canet remains a firm favourite. This estate has experienced an unprecedented rise to the top and is today considered as one of Bordeaux's most iconic estates. The 2024 was also rated in Decanter’s four “standout reds of the vintage” with 97 pts.
“this delivers a finessed, slim-style of Pauillac, with plenty of ageing potential and quiet confidence. One of the successes of the vintage” – Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
Château Montrose
Sourced exclusively from the estate single vineyard and core terroir, Ch Montrose is St Estephe’s most famous and sought-after wine. It has lived up to its ‘Super Second’ status for more than two decades. This year release came with a 29% cut to the 2023.
“You don't get the impression they struggled at all. Great texture and balance. Very impressive.” – Georgina Hindle, Decanter
Still to come are Ch. Troplong Mondot and Ch. Beausejour which we will be keeping a close eye on.
Still not convinced?
If you are still unsure about this year releases, we highly recommend you take a look at some of the 2016s. We recently had a tasting featuring four ready to drink with cellaring potential Bordeaux from this outstanding and highly praised vintage. The stars of the evening were great value Ch. Pedesclaux, smooth and generous Ch. D’Issan and deep and complex Ch. Beausejour Becot (tasted blind). All wines are currently available near their release price and come highly recommended.