A renewed sense of energy permeated the February auctions with a number of wines recording higher prices. One standout example is a Pouilly-Fuissé cuvée from the Guffens-Heynen estate which exceeded the €1,000 mark.
The 2020 Croux et Petits Croux Pouilly-Fuissé produced by Guffens-Heynen reaches a hammer price of €1064
The 2020 Pouilly-Fuissé Croux et Petits Croux from Domaine Guffens-Henynen achieved €1,064 (+1,025%) at the auction held on 14 February! This isn’t a one-off exceptional hammer price as the same wine has already been sold for over €1,000 three times since the beginning of the year. Originally retailing at around €90 in 2022, the price of this wine on the secondary market suddenly soared to over €700 in 2023, before exceeding the €1,000 mark in 2024. This particular bottle was acquired by a wine enthusiast based in Hong Kong, while the other three that sold in excess of €1,000 since the beginning of the year were snapped up by an Italian, a German and another person from Hong Kong. A firm favourite all over the world!
One of the finest estates in the Mâconnais
This exceptional wine was crafted by Jean-Marie and Maine Guffens, native Belgians who settled in Burgundy some 50 years ago. Together, they set about acquiring vines in the Pierreclos area as early as 1979. Today, the Guffens-Heynen estate spans just under six hectares on the slopes of Pierreclos, Vergisson and Davayé. Some of the vines thriving there are over 85 years old. The winemakers embrace sustainable practices and nurture their vineyard with a specialised track-laying tractor. The estate soon became a favourite among enthusiasts of fine white wines. the French wine magazine La Revue du Vin de France, granting it three stars (the highest rating), states: ’Tasting one of these cuvées, even after a decade, remains an unforgettable experience. ’
The Croux et Petits Croux cuvée: An exceptional wine acclaimed by international critics
Planted in 1980, the ‘Les Croux’ parcel enjoys a south-west exposure. Nestled within Les Croux lies a section encircled by low stone walls, known as the ‘Clos des Petits Croux’, where the vines are 60 years old.
This wine, originating from a prestigious terroir and vinified by a Chardonnay prodigy, caught the attention of a number of discerning enthusiasts on iDealwine, sparking a battle for acquisition as early as October 2023. They weren’t the only ones to notice the outstanding quality of this wine, which was also awarded the highest accolade: a perfect 100/100 rating from the Wine Advocate. William Kelley, journalist at The Wine Advocate, even penned a glowing article about it, stating: ‘In a region so defined by hierarchy and classification, how can an unheard-of terroir produce bottles that not merely equal but frequently surpass the storied premiers and grands crus to the north?’ The Revue du Vin de France also awarded it an excellent score of 97/100, describing it as ’a tremendous wine according to several of our tasters .’
Mature Bordeaux vintages and natural rarities exhibit the greatest dynamism
Besides this record, indicating that interest in fine wines remains buoyant irrespective of label prestige, many wines are also experiencing a renewed momentum, something that has been lacking at auction in recent months. This was particularly true of some very old Bordeaux vintages, such as a 1959 Château-Mouton-Rothschild, which fetched €1,941 (+65%), and a 1982, which sold for €1,252 (+16%). Also from Bordeaux, a 1989 Château La Mission Haut-Brion obtained €1,352 (+22%) and a 1953 Château Canon went under the hammer for €507 (+207%).
Looking beyond Bordeaux, significant price rises mostly relate to the finest natural wines from all regions. From Burgundy, for example, a 2020 Pommard Poisot produced by Kei Shiogai sold for €826; from Beaujolais, a 2003 Fleurie crafted by Yvon Métras fetched €313 (+152%); and from Jura, Jean-Marc Brignot’s 2004 Trésor d’Aiglepierre – a Vin de France from a defunct estate – achieved €451 (+111%). Meanwhile from Savoie, the 2014 Priez Saint Christophe Vin de France – another estate that has been sold – went for €551 (+98%), and from Spain, Comando G’s 2015 Vinos de Madrid DO Las Umbrias was auctioned for €213 (+91%). The market is undeniably regaining momentum after several months of calm.
