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Finding value in the Bordeaux second wines

Lafite Rothschild
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  • The average First Growth case price is £5,300, while second wines come in at £1,941.
  • Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is the most affordable second wine.
  • Le Petit Mouton has been the best performer over the last decade.

Following our article last week examining the performance and value of the Bordeaux First Growths, we now turn to an important but often overlooked category within Bordeaux wines: second wines. These wines offer investors a compelling balance between brand prestige and affordability, making them increasingly relevant in today’s fine wine market.

This analysis explores what second wines are, how they compare to their Grand Vins, how they are priced, and why their long-term performance makes them attractive within a wine investment portfolio.

What are second wines?

Most leading Bordeaux châteaux – particularly those classified under the 1855 Classification – produce more than one wine per vintage. Alongside the Grand Vin, many estates bottle a second wine (sometimes referred to as a “2nd wine” or “wine or second label”), and a handful may even produce third or fourth wines depending on vineyard size and stylistic goals.

Second wines generally come from:

  • younger vines, which may not yet deliver the depth required for the Grand Vin

  • vineyard parcels that do not fully meet Grand Vin quality in a given year

  • fruit that is stylistically better suited to an earlier-drinking profile

Despite this, second wines often receive the same technical treatment – from vineyard work to vinification – as the flagship label. They may use fruit from the same renowned terroirs, the same cellars, and benefit from the expertise of the same winemaking team.

For investors, this means second wines offer brand access at a significantly lower price, while still carrying the hallmarks of top Bordeaux estates.

Second wines: Pricing and Value Dynamics

Price Comparison: First Growths vs. Second Wines

The average First Growth case price sits around £5,300, reflecting their iconic status within Bordeaux’s hierarchy. In contrast, the average price for a second wine is £1,941 – less than half the price, yet still benefiting from strong brand associations.

This pricing gap offers investors a more approachable entry point to the top tier of growth wines, particularly within Saint-Julien, Pauillac, and Pessac-Léognan, where some of the world’s most admired estates are located.

Where prices diverge

Interestingly, the price hierarchy of the Grand Vin does not always replicate itself in the second-wine market.

Second wines prices and scores

For example:

  • Château Latour produces one of the most expensive Grand Vins after Lafite Rothschild.

  • Yet its second wine, Les Forts de Latour, sits mid-range in pricing compared with its peers.

  • Meanwhile, Le Petit Mouton (from Mouton Rothschild) and Carruades de Lafite (from Lafite Rothschild) are priced higher, reflecting exceptionally strong brand demand.

 

Similarly, Le Clarence de Haut-Brion – the second wine of Château Haut-Brion, one of the most historically significant estates in the 1855 classification – remains the most affordable of the second wines despite its pedigree.

This shows that market demand, not just classification, shapes pricing for second wines.

Scores and price-per-point

When examining value for money, score-based metrics offer useful perspective.

  • Le Clarence de Haut-Brion holds the lowest price-per-point (£16) among second wines, mirroring Haut-Brion’s reputation for over-delivering relative to price.

  • However, while Haut-Brion Grand Vin scores very highly on the Wine Track Index, Le Clarence’s score is comparatively lower.

This disconnect illustrates a key point: For second wines, price does not always correlate closely with critical ratings.

Instead, a different dynamic typically governs their appreciation.

Second wines behave differently from the Grand Vin

With Grand Vins, price is strongly driven by quality, scores, and global demand.

For second wines, however, the dominant relationship is between price and age. As bottles are consumed and availability reduces, the scarcity effect naturally lifts prices.

In this way, second wines often follow the traditional wine investment ageing curve, appreciating steadily regardless of whether they score as highly as their Grand Vin counterparts.

They also present:

  • brand access for collectors who may be unwilling to open a £500+ bottle

  • earlier drinking windows, which attract both consumers and restaurants

  • strong demand on release, especially for estates like Mouton Rothschild, Haut-Brion, and Lafite Rothschild

Second wines therefore fulfil both a consumption and investment role, ultimately supporting more stable long-term price performance.

Performance of the Bordeaux second wines

Over the past decade, second wines from the top estates in Saint-Julien, Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe, and Pessac-Léognan have shown strong appreciation.

Top performers (10-year performance)

  1. Le Petit Mouton (Mouton Rothschild)
    +111.9% – The strongest performer, reflecting exceptional brand equity and global demand.

  2. Le Clarence de Haut-Brion (Château Haut-Brion)
    +76.2% – Undervalued on release, this wine has delivered impressive mid-term returns.

  3. Carruades de Lafite (Lafite Rothschild)
    +64.7% – One of the most globally recognised second wines, with strong demand across Asia.

  4. Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux (Margaux)
    +63.1% – A consistently sought-after second label with stable year-on-year appreciation.

Second wines performance

These figures highlight how second wines from Bordeaux’s most prestigious châteaux can generate meaningful returns, often outperforming mid-tier Grand Vins and offering a lower-risk route into blue-chip Bordeaux.

Why Bordeaux second wines matter for investors

Second wines sit at the intersection of:

  • prestige (access to top-tier châteaux)

  • affordability (compared to Grand Vins)

  • liquidity (strong global recognition)

  • age-driven price increases (steady appreciation over time)

For investors building a Bordeaux wine portfolio, second wines provide:

  • diversification across vintages and price points

  • exposure to world-class estates without First Growth pricing

  • earlier consumption windows (driving market demand)

  • long-term stability and predictable growth

In short, second wines are one of the most efficient ways to gain exposure to the upper tier of Bordeaux wines while balancing cost and performance.

Final thoughts

Second wines from Bordeaux – whether Les Forts de Latour, Le Petit Mouton, Pavillon Rouge, Carruades de Lafite, or Le Clarence de Haut-Brion – offer compelling value for both collectors and investors. While they may not always achieve the prestige of their Grand Vins, their strong brand associations, increased affordability, and favourable ageing dynamics make them attractive assets within a diversified wine investment strategy.

As global demand continues to grow, particularly for leading estates in the Médoc and Graves, second growth Bordeaux wines and second labels are likely to remain a highly relevant segment of the fine wine market.

FAQ: Second Wines

What are second wines in Bordeaux?

Second wines are wines made by top Bordeaux châteaux using fruit from younger vines or parcels not selected for the Grand Vin.

Are second wines considered good for wine investment?

Yes. Many second growth Bordeaux wines and second labels have demonstrated strong long-term performance.

How do second wines differ from the Grand Vin?

While they come from the same vineyards and winemaking teams, second wines are generally earlier-drinking and less complex. The key difference is selection – the Grand Vin uses only the highest-quality fruit.

Why are second wines cheaper than First Growths?

Price differences reflect hierarchy, brand prestige, and selection. First Growths such as Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, and Haut-Brion command premium pricing due to their status in the 1855 Classification. Their second wines, like Carruades de Lafite or Le Petit Mouton, offer similar pedigree at a fraction of the cost.

Do second wines age well?

Yes, though typically not as long as their Grand Vins. They often reach peak condition earlier, making them attractive for both drinkers and investors.

Which second wines show the best historical performance?

Over the past decade, leading performers include:

  • Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild

  • Le Clarence de Haut-Brion

  • Carruades de Lafite

  • Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux

These wines have delivered returns between 63% and 112%, depending on estate and vintage.

Are second wines a good entry point for Bordeaux investment?

Absolutely. They offer affordability, strong brand recognition, and proven liquidity, making them one of the most efficient ways to gain exposure to top-tier Bordeaux wines.

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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Which Bordeaux First Growth has the lowest price per point?

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  • The price-per-point metric allows for a comparison of wines based on their market price and perceived quality.
  • This article examines the prices per point of the most liquid group of wines – the Bordeaux First Growths.
  • It also looks at their historic market performances.

The price-per-point metric offers a powerful way to compare wines based on their market price relative to critic quality scores. By dividing the average case price by the average critic score, collectors and investors can identify which wines offer the best value, regardless of prestige or brand strength. This approach is especially insightful when analysing the First Growth Bordeaux châteaux, the most liquid and historically significant group within the wines of Bordeaux.

The First Growths – Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, and Château Latour – were formalised in the official Classification of 1855, a system that still shapes global perceptions of quality today. These estates sit at the top of the Bordeaux hierarchy, alongside the region’s premier cru properties, commanding some of the highest prices in the fine wine market. Despite belonging to the same classification, their relative value differs substantially when measured through price per point.

First Growth Bordeaux – price per point

An average case price of £4,429 makes Château Haut-Brion the most affordable of the First Growths. Meanwhile, it has the highest average Wine Track score of 95.9 points. While there is divergence in prices and scores on a vintage-specific level, Château Haut-Brion has the lowest price per point among the First Growths overall.

First Growths average prices and scores

At the other end of the spectrum, Château Lafite Rothschild has the highest price per point of £64, owing to the highest average case price of £6,129 and a Wine Track score of 95.8.

Château Margaux, Château Latour, and Château Mouton Rothschild sit between these two extremes. Each offers exceptional critic scores and historic vintages, though their price-per-point efficiency varies depending on market cycles, En Primeur release prices, and vintage-specific trading volumes. Investors often compare these cru classé wines not only by absolute cost but by consistency of score relative to long-term performance.

What does this mean for the First Growths’ performance?

Historically, all First Growths have followed similar trajectories in terms of market highs and lows.
Key patterns include:

  • A dramatic surge during the China-led bull market (H1 2011)

  • A deep pullback in the years following

  • A recovery after the Brexit referendum, stabilising at higher levels

  • A recent decline in line with broader fine wine indices

The Liv-ex 50, which tracks the First Growths, is down 15.3% over the past year, mirroring the performance of the broader Liv-ex 1000 index.

Among the individual estates:

  • Lafite Rothschild saw the sharpest rise during the 2011 peak

  • It has also seen the largest recent fall (-19%)

  • Haut-Brion, despite never reaching the same peaks, has been more stable – dipping only 10% in the last year

This relative stability reinforces Haut-Brion’s status as a high-value First Growth brand. Its lower price per point and historically steadier performance make it appealing to collectors seeking reduced volatility without sacrificing Bordeaux pedigree.

First Growths performance

First Growth wines that offer value perform the best

In the case of Haut-Brion, value plays an important role in market performance. POP wines (those with a lower price per point) have outperformed the rest over 15 years. These include vintages 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2019 (the only prime vintage among the POP wines).

The second-best-performing index comprises older ‘prime’ vintages – wines with high scores pre-2000. However, this index has shown higher volatility due to the limited availability and trading volumes of these wines.

The index comprising younger ‘on’ vintages like 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2020 has underperformed the rest of the pack. However, these wines have also had less time in the market and their evolution is yet to be seen.

Haut-Brion vintage performance

Historically, Bordeaux prime vintages often show accelerated growth after 10–15 years in bottle, meaning these more recent releases could see substantial performance shifts as they move further from their en primeur release period.

In conclusion, price per point offers an effective way to assess both value and quality, helping buyers look beyond brand prestige to uncover genuine opportunities. However, investors should also consider:

  • long-term market behaviour

  • storage and provenance

  • volatility of older vintages

  • the impact of global economic cycles

When combined with historical performance analysis, price per point becomes a powerful tool for building a balanced fine wine portfolio – identifying stable performers like Haut-Brion, premium prestige wines like Lafite Rothschild, and long-term growth opportunities across the First Growth category.

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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The place of the Bordeaux First Growths in a changing fine wine market

  • Once the dominant force in the fine wine market, the Bordeaux First Growths have lost market share due to its broadening.
  • In the last decade, Château Mouton Rothschild has been the best price performer, up 43.2%.
  • Château Haut-Brion offers the best value, with the highest average critic score and the lowest average price per case.

The Bordeaux First Growths in a broadening market

The Bordeaux First Growths have long been the cornerstone of the fine wine investment market. Back in 2010, they made up close to 90% of all Bordeaux trade by value – at a time, when Bordeaux’s share of the total market stood at 96%.

With the broadening of the market, their share has decreased and they now regularly account for around 30% of all Bordeaux secondary market trade (which itself has fallen below 35% annual average).

This trend was also reflected in the 2022 Power 100 list, which offered a snapshot of the ever-changing landscape of the secondary market. For the first time ever, no Bordeaux wines featured among the top ten most powerful fine wine labels.

Even if trade for these brands remains consistent or increases, the First Growths are facing greater competition. Still, they are among the wines with the greatest liquidity, attracting regular demand and high praise from critics year after year.

First Growths’ price performance

In terms of price performance, the five First Growths have followed a similar trajectory (i.e. rising post-Covid and dipping in the last year in line with the current market reality). The relative outcast has been Château Latour, whose performance was impacted by the decision to leave the En Primeur system in 2012. The wine has been the worst-performing First Growth, up just 17.9% in the last decade.

The best performer has been Château Mouton Rothschild, with an increase of 43.2%. Recent releases have elevated the performance of the brand, like the 2020 vintage, which boasts 100-points from The Wine Advocate’s William Kelley, 99-100 from James Suckling, 98-100 from Jeff Leve and 99 from Antonio Galloni (Vinous). ‘Off’ vintages like 2011, 2013 and 2014, which have greater room to rise, have also fared well over the last five years.

The second-best performer has been Château Margaux, which is also the second most affordable First Growth. Similarly, its biggest price risers have been 2014, 2011 and 2013. Less classical years reveal the strength of these brands, as demand for the First Growths remains consistently high regardless of the vintage.

First Growths’ price and score comparison

The table below shows the average price per case and critic score of the First Growths for vintages since 2000.

Château Haut-Brion tops the list with the highest average score (95.9) and the lowest average price per case (£4,595). With a price per point of £48, the wine seems to offer the best value among the First Growths. Vintages that have received 100-points from The Wine Advocate include 2018 (LPB), 2016 (LPB), 2015 (LPB), 2009 (LPB) and 2005 (RP).

Looking at the average prices, Château Lafite Rothschild stands out as the most expensive of the First Growths. The wine has achieved 100-points from The Wine Advocate for its 2019 (WK), 2018 (LPB), 2010 (LPB) and 2003 (RP) vintages.

In conclusion, the First Growths remain an important part of the changing secondary market, offering brand strength, consistently high quality and stable growth.

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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The legacy of the 1855 Bordeaux Wine Classification and global rankings

  • The 1855 Bordeaux Wine Classification continues to serve as a touchstone that has shaped not only Bordeaux but also global perceptions of what constitutes a ‘fine wine’.
  • Wine-producing regions worldwide have developed their own unique classification frameworks, based on quality, price, and terroir.
  • Wine classifications serve as guides to quality standards, geographical origins, and historical context.

Wine classifications play a vital role in the wine industry. They provide a roadmap to understanding quality, origin, and prestige, offering guidance to consumers, collectors, and investors navigating an increasingly complex global landscape. Among all classification systems, none has shaped the perception of “fine wine” more enduringly than the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. Commissioned under Napoleon III, this historic ranking has influenced not only the wines of Bordeaux but also the way quality is defined in wine regions around the world.

While many wine-producing countries have since developed their own approaches, the 1855 hierarchy remains a benchmark – a symbol of excellence that continues to carry weight in the market nearly 170 years later. As the global wine industry has evolved, these classification systems have continued to adapt, offering insight into tradition, terroir, and changing consumer tastes.

The enduring legacy of the 1855 Bordeaux Wine Classification

The Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855 was commissioned by Napoleon III for the Exposition Universelle de Paris, a world fair showcasing France’s greatest achievements. The task was assigned to the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce, which relied on brokers to organise a ranking of the region’s top wines based on their historical reputation and trading prices – effectively the earliest form of market data-driven classification.

Focusing on the prominent estates of the Left Bank, particularly the Médoc (with the exception of Château Haut-Brion in Graves), the system divided châteaux into five tiers:

  • Premier Cru (First Growth)

  • Deuxième Cru (Second Growth)

  • Troisième Cru (Third Growth)

  • Quatrième Cru (Fourth Growth)

  • Cinquième Cru (Fifth Growth)

The classification also included the sweet wines of Sauternes and Barsac, acknowledging their exceptional global reputation. The top honour in this category went to Château d’Yquem, which was placed alone in the rank of “Premier Cru Supérieur”.

Remarkably, the classification has remained largely unchanged. Its most significant revision occurred in 1973, when Château Mouton Rothschild was elevated from Second Growth to First Growth – a shift famously summed up by Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s quote: “First I am, second I was, Mouton does not change.”

Although revered, the system has also attracted criticism. Critics argue that basing the classification on 19th-century trading prices does not reflect modern winemaking improvements, changes in terroir management, or evolving stylistic preferences. The global wine exchange, Liv-ex, has created a similar classification that uses price alone to determine a hierarchy of the leading fine wine labels in the market.

The economic weight of the 1855 Classification

Today, the five First Growths – Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, and Château Mouton Rothschild º remain among the most recognised wines in the world. Their placement in the classification directly correlates with their position in the market:

  • They dominate indices such as the Liv-ex 50

  • They command significant global demand, particularly in Asia and the US

  • Their brand prestige drives price stability during global economic shifts

  • Their wines are among the most frequently traded worldwide

The classification also influences land values in Bordeaux. Vineyards designated as crus classés hold significantly higher economic value compared with non-classified properties, shaping investment, production decisions, and estate strategy in the Médoc and beyond.

The Saint-Émilion Classification

Bordeaux’s Right Bank offers a completely different approach through the Saint-Émilion Classification, first introduced in 1955. Unlike the 1855 system, Saint-Émilion’s rankings are revised approximately every ten years, giving producers the opportunity to move up or down the hierarchy. Its tiers include:

  • Premier Grand Cru Classé A

  • Premier Grand Cru Classé B

  • Grand Cru Classé

The dynamism of this model fosters competition, encouraging châteaux to innovate, invest in vineyards, and elevate their winemaking standards.

However, the classification has experienced its share of controversy. The most notable recent development was the withdrawal of three top estates – Châteaux Ausone, Cheval Blanc and Angélus – from the classification amid disputes over evaluation criteria. This highlighted the tensions between heritage, modern wine styles, and market realities.

Despite these challenges, the Saint-Émilion system offers a compelling alternative to Bordeaux’s more rigid 1855 structure, showcasing a model that evolves with the industry.

Classifications beyond Bordeaux 

Burgundy’s Cru System: Terroir above all

Burgundy’s classification differs dramatically from Bordeaux’s estate-based approach. Rather than ranking producers, Burgundy organises quality according to vineyard sites, rooted in centuries of understanding terroir:

  • Grand Cru – the most exceptional sites

  • Premier Cru – vineyards offering high-quality and distinctive character

  • Village – wines from specific villages with recognised identity

  • Regional – broader appellations such as Bourgogne AOC

Because vineyard parcels are frequently divided among multiple growers, two bottles from the same vineyard may vary widely depending on the winemaker. This creates a classification system that highlights terroir purity but also introduces complexity for consumers.

Burgundy’s terroir-centric model has deeply influenced New World regions such as Oregon, New Zealand, and Australia, where producers often refer to vineyard “blocks” or “crus” to differentiate their best sites.

Germany’s VDP Classification

Germany’s Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP) has developed a quality system inspired partly by Burgundy’s model. Its highest tiers include:

  • Grosse Lage (Great Growth)

  • Erste Lage (First Growth)

These designations highlight vineyards capable of producing world-class Riesling and other varieties. Additional layers address sweetness levels and stylistic diversity within German wine culture.

Italy’s Barolo and Barbaresco Crus

Italy’s famed Barolo and Barbaresco regions utilise an unofficial but widely recognised cru system that distinguishes vineyard sites based on terroir. While not supported by a formal hierarchy, these vineyard names – such as Cannubi, Brunate, and Rabajà – are understood to convey prestige and quality.

In 2010, Barolo introduced the Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva (MGA), formalising many of these vineyard distinctions and bringing greater clarity to the region’s terroir identity.

Portugal’s Douro Classification

The Douro region, home of Port wine, boasts one of the world’s earliest classification systems, dating back to 1756 – nearly a century before Bordeaux’s. This system evaluated vineyard sites by potential quality, considering factors such as altitude, soil richness, and slope steepness.

Its long history makes the Douro system a precursor to modern terroir-based classifications that exist across Europe today.

Concluding thoughts

The 1855 Bordeaux Classification stands as one of the most influential frameworks in the history of fine wine. Its impact extends far beyond the Médoc, informing global perceptions of quality and influencing the classification systems that followed. Meanwhile, more dynamic models such as the Saint-Émilion rankings and Burgundy’s Cru system highlight that flexibility and terroir expression also have an important place in the wine world.

From Europe to the New World, classification systems continue to shape how we understand, value, and enjoy wine – serving as both historical artefacts and modern benchmarks in an ever-changing industry.

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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Marchesi Antinori acquires iconic Napa Valley’s Stag’s Leap

Stag's Leap
  • Marchesi Antinori has taken full ownership of Napa Valley’s iconic winery Stag’s Leap.
  • Stag’s Leap laid the foundation for the emergence of cult wines after winning the Judgement of Paris in 1976.
  • Antinori’s innovations in the ‘Super Tuscan’ revolution of the 1970s and recent acquisition of Stag’s Leap position both for continued success in the fine wine investment market.

Marchesi Antinori, one of the oldest and largest wine companies in the world, has gained full ownership of the iconic Napa Valley estate Stag’s Leap. According to Wine Spectator, the current sale includes ‘the winery, the brand and inventory, and close to 300 acres of Napa vines, including the Fay and S.L.V. vineyards’. These sites hold a near-mythical status in American wine, making the sale one of the most significant winery transactions in recent Napa Valley history.

Antinori is no stranger to Stag’s Leap. The Italian family first acquired a minority stake in 2007, partnering with Ste. Michelle Wine Estates after the property was purchased from founder Warren Winiarski. With the latest agreement, Antinori now transitions from long-standing partner to full owner – deepening its commitment to Napa Valley and expanding a global portfolio that already includes Tignanello, Guado al Tasso, and its American estate, Antica Napa Valley.

A historic Napa Valley estate

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars holds a unique position in American wine history. It is widely credited as one of the pioneering Napa wineries that shaped the modern era of California fine wine. But it was one wine in particular that changed everything: the 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon.

This vintage, the estate’s second commercial release and first made at the winery, famously won the Judgment of Paris blind tasting in 1976. By outperforming top French estates – including Château Mouton Rothschild and Château Haut-Brion – Stag’s Leap stunned the global wine community and forced critics to take New World wines seriously. It was a defining moment not just for Napa Valley, but for American fine wine as a whole.

The S.L.V. vineyard, along with the Fay Vineyard, remains central to the estate’s identity. Both sites are now fully under Antinori ownership, giving the Italian group complete control over the terroir that shaped one of the wine world’s most important breakthroughs.

The rise of Stag’s Leap in the fine wine market

Over the last decade, Stag’s Leap has experienced substantial growth in the secondary market. Collectors have increasingly turned to the estate’s top wines – particularly Cask 23, S.L.V., and Fay – as demand for high-quality yet comparatively accessible Californian Cabernet Sauvignon continues to rise.

Several performance trends underscore Stag’s Leap’s strong market momentum:

1. Price appreciation

  • Cask 23 has increased 59% on average over the past 10 years.

  • S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon has risen 61% over the same period.

These gains reflect confidence among collectors who view Stag’s Leap as a historically significant winery with long-term growth potential.

2. Value for money

One of the brand’s greatest competitive advantages is its relative affordability compared to other Napa “cult” producers.

This stark gap highlights why many fine wine buyers see Stag’s Leap as offering high quality without extreme price premiums, a factor that has contributed to its increased trading activity.

3. Standout vintages

The estate’s 2014 releases, in particular, have shown remarkable performance:

  • S.L.V. 2014 has surged 80.5% since release.

  • Cask 23 2014 has climbed 77.4% in the past two years alone.

Such growth places these wines alongside some of Napa’s strongest performers in recent market cycles.

Why Antinori’s ownership matters

While Stag’s Leap helped establish the reputation of California Cabernet Sauvignon, Marchesi Antinori played an equally transformative role in Italy during the 1970s. Its groundbreaking wines – including Tignanello, Solaia, and others – helped spark the Super Tuscan revolution, challenging traditional DOC rules and elevating Italian red wine to new global heights.

Together, the two wineries share several parallels:

1. Both reshaped their national wine identities

  • Stag’s Leap redefined American wine after the Judgment of Paris.

  • Antinori reshaped Italian wine through innovative vineyard and cellar practices.

2. Both expanded the definition of “fine wine” beyond Bordeaux

Their success helped diversify the global fine wine conversation – proving that excellence could emerge from Tuscany and Napa Valley as convincingly as from France.

3. Both maintain powerful global brands

Antinori’s Tignanello is now one of the world’s most traded luxury wines. Liv-ex ranked it the 49th most powerful wine brand, partly due to its attractive average case price of £1,076, making it the best-value Italian label in the top 100.

With Antinori’s full acquisition of Stag’s Leap, the synergy between these two historic producers may deepen even further.

What comes next?

It remains to be seen exactly how Antinori will integrate Stag’s Leap into its global strategy. However, its track record suggests a continued focus on:

  • Estate-driven expression

  • Investment in vineyard health and sustainability

  • International distribution strength

  • Long-term legacy building

For Napa Valley, the acquisition signals sustained interest from established European wine families, affirming the region’s global prestige. For Antinori, it represents a strengthening of its American footprint. And for collectors, the transition offers reassurance that Stag’s Leap – already a historic and fast-rising winery – may be entering an era of renewed energy.

Final outlook

With its deep heritage, exceptional vineyards, and growing market demand, Stag’s Leap stands poised for an exciting new chapter under Antinori’s full stewardship. For both producers, this union brings together centuries of winemaking knowledge with some of Napa’s most important terroirs. As the dust settles on the acquisition, one thing seems certain: both Marchesi Antinori and Stag’s Leap are positioned to reach even greater heights in the fine wine market in the years ahead.

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.