Top Burgundy producers and negociants are expecting the 2010 vintage to attract high prices as they begin the new year.
Merchants and critics have been enthusiastic about the 2010 vintage. Wine writer Allen Meadows was reported by the Liv-ex exchange as suggesting that the 2010 vintage is even better than the 2009, scoring Romanee Conti 96-99. La Tache, Clos Vougeot Homages Jean Morin and Chambertin achieved the same score.
These early suggestions of quality, coupled with a marked decrease in quantity (yields have fallen by 30-40%) have led many to predict record prices at auctions for the coming year. Investors could see rises of 10-15%. Some top producers are mimicking Bordeaux’s tactics from last year and attaching a 40% premium to their top wines.
The growing enthusiasm of the Chinese for red Burgundy will also contribute to the rising prices. Early year auctions have seen blockbusting sales for the likes of Romanée Conti as top Burgundy producers pick up the slack from a wavering Bordeaux market.