Whilst October was marked by a resurgence in the Covid crisis, we observed a continued interest for our auctions o the part of enthusiasts across the world. Let’s take a closer look at the trends emerging at this critical point.
One of the central points to come out of our October auctions was a success rate that keeps on climbing, reaching 80% of lots sold. Bordeaux made a strong comeback with prices once more moving upwards, and Burgundy seems to have reached its peak for a while, at least for the finest Côte de Nuits signatures. And Italian wines certainly drew attention mast month, the sale of a remarkable collection of fine Piedmont wines having had great success with curious clients.
Bordeaux bounces back
After several months of stagnation, Bordeaux’s grands crus are finding their way back up again. Coveted as much by European clients as Asian enthusiasts, the premiers crus classés from this classic region continue to excel in their finest vintages (1989 Haut-Brion: €1,596, +6%, 1986 Château Lafite: 1,658, +4%). The true star that is Petrus was highly sought last month, as much in its best years (2009, 2005, 1982) as in those that take a bit less of the limelight such as 2002 and 1999. Saint-Emilion’s premiers crus classés also saw a boost of attention in October. Cheval Blanc, for example, saw a 16% increase in its 1990 at €880. We also saw great performances from the likes of Château Pavie (2005 €399, +10%) and Château Angélus (2011 €268). And Figeac did well in its 2005 vintage which went for €178, an increase of 21%!
Chardonnay on top in Burgundy
Fine bottles of Chardonnay have been front and centre with some exceptional cuvées populating October’s catalogues. Domaine Coche Dury’s Corton-Charlemagne might have plateaued at its record price (2005: €4,175), but Montrachet was represented by two outstanding lots: a double-magnum from Marquis de Laguiche, whose parcel is entrusted to Maison Drouhin (2015: €2,702, +10%), and a bottle from Ramonet (2014: €2,149, +87%). Ramonet is a highly coveted name on the market at present. The domain is cultivated by Jean-Claude Ramonet on a mosaic of super parcels. Their Bâtard-Montrachet has also taken off (2008 magnum: €1,351, +83%) whilst the Chevalier-Montrachet went for €810 in its 2008 vintage (+77%). In magnum format, the 2009 Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet saw its value climb by 17% to €860. We should also note some great performances from Meursault: Domaine d’Auvenay (2000 Goutte d’Or: €2,026, +14%), Roulot (2010 Perrières: €1,105, +6%), Arnaud Ente (2009 magnum: €860, +8%), Boisson Vadot, Colin Morey, and in older vintages, Domaine des Comtes Lafon.
Piedmont stars
Italy, placed right in the spotlight last month, revealed some of the finest facets of transalpine wine making, notably from the best Piedmont domains. Among the landmark names proposed at auction was Bruno Giacoso whose 1989 Barolo Collina Rionda went under the hammer for €3,193 (the 1971 went for €1,842). Another monument of Barolo, Giacomo Conterno, saw a 1982 Monfortino cuvée reach €1,596 (2004: €1,290, 2001: €1,289, 1996: €1,167). We should also note the impressive bids placed on the wines of Giuseppe Rinaldi (1993 Barolo Brunate Riserva Speciale: €1,167, 1996 Le Coste: €1,105). The success of these names, proudly carrying on the Barolo tradition, shows that wine enthusiasts are not unmoved by the delicate style of these late-harvested Nebbiolo cuvées that undergo a slow and gentle vinification. If you’re interested, we have a whole article dedicated to the Barolo appellation that you can peruse at your leisure.
If you’re thinking about selling on some of your bottles, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Selling Team at vendeur@idealwine.com. They will be happy to advise on any queries you might have.
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