Tag: Australian wine

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La Place 2025: Key fine wine releases beyond Bordeaux

Masseto fine wine vineyard
  • The La Place 2025 campaign has continued its expansion with more than 130 wines offered via the historic network.
  • As the campaign unfolds against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, some estates have paused their involvement while others see it as an even more necessary tool to secure sales.
  • We analyse the value and investment potential of some of the most important La Place releases.

The La Place 2025 campaign has continued its expansion with more than 130 wines offered via the historic network.

Firstly, what is La Place? Traditionally, La Place de Bordeaux (as it is called in full) was the centuries-old distribution system through which Bordeaux châteaux released their wines to international merchants. Over the past two decades, it has transformed into a global platform, with leading estates from Tuscany, California, Chile, and beyond joining to tap into its worldwide reach. For investors, La Place matters because it provides access to many of the world’s most sought-after wines at the moment of release – making it a barometer for both pricing trends and collector demand.

As the campaign unfolds against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, some estates have paused their involvement while others see it as an even more necessary tool to secure sales. We analyse the value and investment potential of some of the most important La Place releases.

La Place in 2025: what has changed

This year’s campaign unfolds against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, with the fine wine market still in the grip of a downturn that began in late 2022. Lower release prices have become more of an expectation, with the need to adapt to softer demand more noticeable than ever. Some estates have chosen to step back, pausing their La Place involvement for now, while others have come to view the system as key to securing global recognition and distribution. 

What remains unchanged is the underlying pull of La Place: demand among producers to gain access to this international sales platform continues to grow, ensuring a steady stream of new entrants even as others bow out.

Departures and pauses

Not every name is present this year. Montes Muse, Destiny Bay, and Bibi Graetz’s ultra-limited Balocchi are no longer part of the roster. Certain wines are absent due to production constraints rather than strategy: Penfolds Bin 169 was not made in 2023, while Cloudburst skipped its 2022 Malbec. Within Bibi Graetz’s portfolio, the white Testamatta and Colore were made in such small volumes that they will not be offered via La Place.

Shifting timelines

Another notable trend is the shift in release windows. Several well-known estates have moved from September to March releases, including Hermitage La Chapelle, Napa’s Favia, Chile’s Viñedo Chadwick, and Jackson Family Wines’ Cardinale. This rescheduling might help reduce bottlenecks during the crowded September calendar.

New arrivals

Despite some exits, the list of debutants reinforces La Place’s increasingly diverse profile. New highlights include:

  • Argentina (Mendoza): Zuccardi’s El Camino de las Flores
  • Australia (Clare Valley): Jim Barry Florita
  • Australia (Tasmania): Arras Grand Vintage
  • France (Loire): Vincent Delaporte (Sancerre), Domaine Luneau Papin (Muscadet), Laurent Lebrun (Pouilly-Fumé), Sébastien Brunet (Vouvray)
  • Spain (Ribeira Sacra): Cornamús (F. Algueira)
  • USA (California): Flowers (Pinot Noir & Chardonnay)

Most in-demand La Place releases

Some La Place releases command attention year after year. These include the Super Tuscans, California’s cult labels, and Bordeaux/New World collaborations such as Seña and Almaviva. But where do their latest vintage releases sit in the current market and the overall brand performance?

Masseto

Masseto was the first Italian wine to join La Place de Bordeaux back in 2009, offering its 2006 vintage through the international distribution system. It was also the first wine with no specific Bordeaux ties to join the platform, paving the way for other fine wines from around the world.

Earlier this month saw the release of its latest 2022 vintage at £6,140 per 12×75, down 1% on last year. The wine achieved 95 points from Antonio Galloni (Vinous) – his lowest score since the 2014. Still, he described it as ‘elegant and polished’ and ‘super refined’.

When it comes to value for money, the 100-point 2021 vintage makes a better buy. The lower-priced but higher-scored 2018 and 2017 vintages also offer better value. All of these vintages sit below the average brand price of £7,812 per case. Notably, our Masseto index has risen 67% over the past decade. 

Masseto fine wine prices

Solaia

Another notable Super Tuscan follows a similar trajectory. Solaia 2022 was released at £3,300 per 12×75, flat on the 2021, which has since fallen in value. Comparing critic scores for the two weighs in favour of last year’s release, which earned 100 points from Galloni. The lower-priced 2018 Solaia also looks more attractive.

Over the past decade, our Solaia index has risen an impressive 113%. Even with the current market downturn, Solaia values have held relatively steady – up 3% in the last six months. 

Solaia fine wine prices

Opus One 

Moving past the Super Tuscans, the 2022 vintage of the USA’s most popular wine, Opus One, was released earlier this month at £2,820 per 12×75. The wine received 92+ points from Galloni, 96 points from Jane Anson and 95-97 points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW. Higher-rated vintages like 2018 and 2019 look better poised for investment.

The overall performance trajectory of Opus One has been positive: the brand is up 4% in the last six months, 18% in the last five years, and 95% in the last decade.

Opus One Napa Valley fine wine prices

Penfolds Grange 


Penfolds, Australia’s leading wine brand, released its 2021 vintage slightly below 2020 but above most readily-available older vintages. The new release achieved 98 points from Jane Anson and Erin Larkin (Wine Advocate). Still, buyers will find better value in 2015 and 2016 – two of the most sought-after Penfolds Grange vintages.

Penfolds Grange Australian fine wine prices

Seña

The 2023 vintage of Seña, which received 95 points from Joaquin Hidalgo (Vinous) and Jane Anson, was released at £720 per 12×75, down 36% on last year. Still, the 95-point 2018 and 96-point 2019 remain available at lower prices. 

In the last six months, our Seña index has risen 2%; over the past decade, it is up 70%.

Mondavi and Chadwick Sena fine wine prices

Almaviva

Almaviva, the most popular Chilean wine brand, also offered its 2023 vintage via La Place this September, at £924 per 12×75 case. The new vintage was awarded 96 points from Joaquin Hidalgo, placing it on par with the 2021 and 2019 vintages. The 2023 Almaviva has been one of the better value La Place releases, although from its back vintages, 2020 and 2019 look equally or even more attractive.

Almaviva fine wine prices

In terms of overall brand performance, our Almaviva index is up 141% in the last decade. The brand’s average price per case now stands at £1,565.

Almaviva fine wine index

The 2025 La Place campaign inevitably reflects the global economic climate as well as the challenges and the resilience of today’s fine wine market. A cautious economic backdrop and softer demand have prompted some estates to step aside and others to lower prices, yet La Place continues to expand in scope and influence.

The arrival of new producers from Argentina, Australia, the Loire, and California highlights its ongoing globalisation, while established icons like Masseto, Solaia, Opus One, and Almaviva still command worldwide attention. The key for buyers remains having a selective and comparative approach. While new releases carry prestige and immediate buzz, back vintages often provide stronger value and proven performance. 

Want to learn more? See also: Is buying early always the best investment?

WineCap’s independent market analysis showcases the value of portfolio diversification and the stability offered by investing in wine. Speak to one of our wine investment experts and start building your portfolio. Schedule your free consultation today.

 

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Beyond Bordeaux releases: why back vintages offer better value

Seña wine bottles wine cellar
  • This autumn sees the annual beyond Bordeaux campaign via La Place. 
  • Most of the wines have been released at the same price level as last year. 
  • This is not enough to stimulate buyers given the current dip in market prices across all regions. 

This month’s La Place de Bordeaux campaign has seen a mix of notable releases beyond the traditional Bordeaux wines, featuring the latest vintages from esteemed producers like Opus One, Masseto, Solaia, Penfolds, and Viñedo Chadwick. However, as market prices dip across multiple regions, many of these releases have seen limited appeal. The enhanced availability of older vintages at more competitive prices makes back vintages a more attractive investment option.

Super Tuscan releases

The Super Tuscan Masseto 2021 kicked off this autumn’s La Place campaign at the same price as last year’s vintage. It marks one of the last vintages overseen by Alex Heinz, who transitioned to CEO of Château Lascombes in Bordeaux in 2022. 

The wine received a perfect 100-point score from Antonio Galloni (Vinous) who said it was ‘the most exquisite, refined young Masseto’ he had ever tasted. Monica Larner (Wine Advocate), while giving it 95 points, described it as a ‘very rich and elaborate expression’.

However, better value can be found in back vintages such as 2017, 2018, and 2019, where critic scores are more aligned across publications.

Masseto wine prices chart

In contrast, Solaia 2021 from Marchesi Antinori came in at a 15.7% premium over the 2020 vintage, with a recommended price of £3,240 per 12×75. 

Despite strong reviews – 97 points from Larner and a perfect 100 from Galloni – this price positions the 2021 Solaia above several recent vintages. 

Buyers seeking better value might prefer the 2018, 2019, or even the 100-point Solaia 2015, which comes with the added advantage of age.

Solaia wine prices chart

Chile’s iconic wines

Two of Chile’s most iconic wines were also released earlier this month, Seña 2022 and Viñedo Chadwick 2022.

Although Seña 2022 was offered at the same price as last year, it is still the most expensive vintage currently in the market due to a drop in value of the previous vintages. The 2019 and 2018 vintages, for instance, both have higher scores from Wine Advocate and cost less.

Mondavi & Chadwick, Seña wine prices chart

Similarly, Viñedo Chadwick 2022 was released at last year’s price but remains the second most expensive vintage, following the 2015 Joaquín Hidalgo (Vinous) awarded it 98 points, praising its ‘finessed Bordeaux-oriented style with the plush tannins of Maipo’.

From an investment perspective, the 2021 offers a more affordable, higher-scored alternative, while the 2018 and 2019 vintages are also solid options.

Errazuriz Vinedo Chadwick wine prices chart

Other notable releases

Château de Beaucastel Hommage à Jacques Perrin 2022 is another wine released at the same price as last year, which has since fallen in value. This makes it the second most expensive after the 2016. 

It received a range of 96-98 points from Nicolas Greinacher (Vinous), who said it was ‘on track to rank alongside the spectacular 2020’. Still, the 2018, 2017 and 2015 present better value alternatives. 

Beaucastel, Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage J Perrin wine prices chart

With a small increase of 1.3% on last year, Penfolds Grange 2020 was released at £4,740 per 12×75. 

Erin Larkin (Wine Advocate) described it as ‘lighter than the preceding 2019’ and gave it 95 points. It received the same score from Angus Hughson (Vinous) who suggested that it would benefit from a ‘couple more years in the cellar [that] will bring all the pieces together before a two-decade drinking window’.

When it comes to back vintages, the 2012, 2014 and 2015 all look more attractive. The 100-point 2013 vintage is also cheaper and has entered its early drinking window.

Penfolds Grange wine prices chart

Back vintages remain an untapped opportunity

As the latest La Place de Bordeaux campaign reveals, many new releases are being offered at prices that do not necessarily align with current market conditions.

In contrast, back vintages – often with comparable or superior critic scores – can provide better value and greater investment potential. With the market dip creating opportunities for buyers, it is a good time to focus on older, well-regarded vintages that offer both affordability and maturity.

Get in touch to discuss your allocations or to start building your fine wine collection. Schedule a consultation.

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Cautious optimism for Australian wine amid tariff review

  • Australia and China have agreed to a suspension of their ongoing dispute over the steep tariffs imposed on Australian wine since November 2020.
  • The tariffs had a profound impact on demand and price performance of Australian wine.
  • Australia’s best price performers have risen over 40% in value in the last year.

Australian wine tariffs under review

In a significant shift that could redefine trade relations between Australia and China, the two nations have agreed to a suspension of their ongoing dispute over the steep tariffs imposed on Australian wine since November 2020. This development comes ahead of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s forthcoming trip to Beijing, marking a potential thaw in the trade tensions that have severely impacted Australia’s wine industry.

While the Chinese government has consented to an expedited five-month review of the punitive duties, which have plummeted Australia’s wine exports from over $1 billion to a mere $12 million, there remains a cautious optimism. Despite this progress, industry experts predict that even if the tariffs are promptly revoked, the Australian wine sector, which has undergone substantial restructuring in response to the lost Chinese market, would still require approximately two years to recuperate and effectively redistribute its current surplus.

Impact on Australia’s wine investment market

The Chinese tariffs, ranging from 180% to 200% on Australian wine imports, had a profound impact on Australia’s budding secondary market. The country has historically been the second most important fine wine player from the New World after the U.S., enjoying greater demand than South Africa, Chile or Argentina.

After a record-breaking year of trade in 2020, Australia’s investment market shrank in 2021. The number of different Australian wines traded on Liv-ex declined 32.2% year-on-year, as demand decreased.

Fewer wines from Australia made it into the rankings of the most powerful brands in the world. Australia’s leading label, Penfolds Grange, dropped in the 2021 Power 100 rankings, from fifth in 2020 to 45th place in 2021. In last year’s edition of the rankings, the wine fell further – from 45th to 55th place, while Henschke exited altogether. Part of the reason is that Penfolds has historically been heavily reliant on the Chinese market. In an attempt to rebuilt tariff-hit business, earlier this year Treasury Wine Estates, owner of Penfolds, announced the introduction of its first China-sourced premium wine.

Australian wine price performance

Since the tariff introduction, prices for some of the top wines have dipped, creating pockets of opportunity. For instance, the average price of Henschke Hill of Grace is down 4% in the last year; similarly, Penfolds Bin 707 is down 9%. While their trajectories are different, the long-term growth trend remains, with over 90% rise in the last decade.

Some Australian brands have seen impressive price performance despite the ongoing trade tension. The table below shows the five best performers on Wine Track in the last year, which have risen between 31% and 41% on average. Clarendon Hills Brookman Syrah leads the rankings, with an average price per case of £1,042. Two Hands Aphrodite has been the second-best performer, up 39%.

The cautious optimism for Australian wine will likely affect its secondary market performance. As demand rises, so will prices. It remains to be seen if a potential tariff suspension will bring back the momentum to a region that has quietened down in the last three years but nonetheless remains an important New World representative.

WineCap’s independent market analysis showcases the value of portfolio diversification and the stability offered by investing in wine. Speak to one of our wine investment experts and start building your portfolio. Schedule your free consultation today.