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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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James Suckling’s top wines of 2024

James Suckling 2024 top wine Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2015
  • American critic James Suckling has released his top 100 wines of 2024 list.
  • His wine of the year is Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2015. 
  • Italy dominates the rankings followed by France and the US.

American critic James Suckling has released his top 100 wines of 2024 list, along with his wine of the year. Each year his team tastes tens of thousands of bottles, releasing comprehensive tasting reports, regional rankings, and ultimately selecting their wine of the year.

For 2024, the top honour went to Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2015 – a wine Suckling describes as a perfect expression of “the greatness of time and place.” It received a perfect scoring of 100 points.

This article summarises the key findings from the James Suckling Top 100 and highlights notable regional trends, emerging regions, and value-driven opportunities for collectors.

A record year of tasting: More than 40,000 wines reviewed

James Suckling’s methodology is built on scale. In the past year alone, Suckling and his tasters reviewed more than 40,000 wines, producing hundreds of tasting reports, vintage overviews, and regional analyses. These include everything from everyday wines priced below $20 to rare cuvées from the world’s most prestigious estates.

What makes the James Suckling Top 100 uniquely valuable is that it distills this enormous volume of data into a curated list shaped not only by quality, but also by value, emotional impact, and availability. To be considered, wines must meet key criteria:

  • Minimum production of 5,000 bottles

  • Median release price below $500 (£385)

  • A score typically ranging from 97–100 points

  • A “wow factor” — Suckling’s term for the emotional reaction a wine can provoke

This creates a final list that balances prestige with approachability.

Regional overview: Italy dominates the top spots

While Suckling’s tastings spanned traditional and emerging regions worldwide, Italy once again emerged as the strongest performer. Italian producers submitted more than 9,100 wines for review, slightly surpassing France’s 9,000, and coming ahead of the 6,800 bottles tasted from the United States.

Total wines reviewed in 2024

The countries with the largest representation included:

  • Italy – 9,100 wines

  • France – 9,000 wines

  • United States – 6,800 wines

  • Spain – 3,800 wines

  • Argentina – 2,300 wines

  • Germany – 2,000 wines

  • Australia – 1,700 wines

  • Chile – 1,550 wines

Additional tastings from countries such as Greece, Hungary, Canada, Uruguay, and China

Countries featured in the James Suckling Top 100

Despite fierce global competition, Italy secured 26 positions in the top 100. These included a mix of Amarone, Barolo, Alto Adige whites, Brunello, and Super Tuscan wines. France followed with 18, showcasing a strong lineup of Bordeaux, Champagne, and Rhône releases.

The United States delivered 15 wines to the list, highlighting the continuing excellence of producers in Napa Valley and Oregon. Germany contributed 12 wines, a remarkable showing that underscores its rising profile among critics and consumers alike.

Chile, Australia, Argentina, and Spain all delivered respectable performances, and notably, China secured one place with Ao Yun Shangri-La 2020 – evidence of China’s growing relevance in the fine wine market.

James Suckling’s Wine of the Year: Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2015

At the top of the ranking stands Bertani’s Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2015, a wine that Suckling calls “one of the great Amarones.” Awarded a perfect 100-point score, it showcases deep concentration, complexity, and finesse.

Suckling describes the wine as “full-bodied and elegant, with ripe, filigree tannins, long acidity, and a toasty, savory aftertaste.” Its combination of structure, balance, and aromatic depth makes it a quintessential example of Amarone’s potential when produced in a traditional, long-ageing style.

The selection of an Amarone as the wine of the year reinforces a broader trend: the rising international appreciation for Italy’s great red wines beyond the usual Barolo and Brunello icons.

James Suckling top wine scores 2024

Value and accessibility: A core theme of the 2024 rankings

Despite the prestige associated with many wines on the list, a significant number of selections in the James Suckling Top 100 fall into surprisingly approachable price brackets. According to Suckling:

  • Nine wines in the Top 100 are priced between $30 and $60

  • Many top-performing whites, including Italian Sauvignon Blancs and Austrian Rieslings, remain accessible

  • Even the second-ranked wine is priced around $65 (£50)

This emphasis on accessibility reflects Suckling’s commitment to highlighting wines that deliver outstanding value, especially at a time when the global wine market is facing both economic pressure and shifting consumer behaviour.

Notable regional highlights

Germany’s breakthrough year

Germany’s outstanding performance – with 12 wines in the Top 100 – confirms the exceptional quality of recent vintages, particularly for dry Riesling. The Künstler Riesling Rheingau Hölle GG 2023 serves as the benchmark, showcasing precision, structure, and aromatic clarity.

Austria’s continued rise

Austria’s representation reflects its steady upward trajectory in global tastings. The wines selected – especially from Wachau – show impressive consistency and terroir expression.

China’s growing presence

The placement of Ao Yun Shangri-La 2020 demonstrates China’s expanding role in the fine wine space. Produced in the foothills of the Himalayas at high elevation, this wine emphasises craftsmanship, innovation, and a distinctive style uncommon in traditional European regions.

What collectors should take away from the 2024 Top 100

The James Suckling Top 100 is more than a “best of” list. It offers insight into:

  • Shifting stylistic preferences

  • Regions delivering strong value

  • Vintages worth buying now

  • Wines with long-term investment potential

  • Global developments beyond traditional wine regions

For collectors and investors, the list serves as a tool for building a diversified cellar, especially at a time when the fine wine market is recalibrating.

Whether your interest lies in high-scoring Amarone, precision-driven Riesling, or ambitious New World expressions, the 2024 rankings provide a highly curated list of wines that blend excitement, accessibility, and long-term promise.

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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Piedmont on the move: rising stars under £1,000 a case

Piedmont Italy Fine Wine
  • Italy is the best-performing fine wine region year-to-date. 
  • Some Italian brands have recorded positive movement as high as 15% in the last six months.
  • Piedmont’s edge in the fine wine market can be attributed to historical significance, limited production, and an increase in global appreciation. 

Amid economic fluctuations and changing market trends, the wine investment landscape has seen varied performances across regions. However, Italy, and particularly the Piedmont, has stood out for its robustness and resilience, outperforming other regions in maintaining and even enhancing its investment appeal.

Italy’s performance in a bearish market

The Liv-ex Italy 100 sub-index, which tracks the price performance of the top 100 Italian wines, has shown resilience in the current bearish market. While the broader Liv-ex 1000 index, representing a wider range of global wines, has experienced a decline of 5.2% year-to-date, the Italy 100 sub-index has seen a relatively minor decrease of 1.7%. 

This indicates a sustained interest in Italian wines, despite broader market uncertainties. Some Italian brands have even recorded positive movement in the last six months as high as 15%.

The rising stars of Piedmont

A significant contribution to this trend comes from the Piedmont, specifically Barolo and Barbaresco. 

Produttori del Barbaresco, a renowned cooperative known for its high-quality production, has seen impressive gains across a range of its wines. The Rabaja Riserva has risen 15% since the start of the year. The wine has an average case price of £968 per 12×75, and a Wine Track critic score of 94 points. 

From the same producer, the more affordable Ovello Riserva is up 9%, while the Montestefano Riserva is up 8%. 

From Barolo, Cascina Fontana has shown consistent returns. It has appreciated 6% in the last six months and a remarkable 105% over the last decade. The wine’s affordability at £665 average price per case makes it a value-driven choice for investors.

Meanwhile, Elio Grasso’s Barolo Gavarini Chiniera has increased 4% in the past six months and an impressive 110% in the last decade. 

Why Italy, and why now?

The resilience of the Italian wine market, particularly in premium segments like Barolo and Barbaresco, can be attributed to several factors such as historical significance, quality, limited production, and growing global appreciation for the value on offer.

Wines from Piedmont are steeped in history and are globally recognised for their quality and complexity, attracting both connoisseurs and investors.

The limited production and exclusivity of certain labels ensure their demand remains high, even in less favourable economic conditions. While these wines are highly sought-after, the brands above continue to offer value – all being under £1,000 a case despite recent gains.

Finally, Italian wines continue to see growing appreciation in key markets such as the UK, USA and Asia, broadening the investor base.

As we navigate through fluctuating markets, Italy, especially Piedmont, holds firm, demonstrating potential for growth. For investors, Barolo and Barbaresco represent stability, quality, and a legacy that stands resilient against the tides of economic change.

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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Italian wine enjoys demand amid new releases

  • New releases from Italy have led to increased secondary market activity for the region.
  • Italian fine wine prices rose in February with some wines enjoying double-digit returns.
  • The 100-point Sassicaia 2021 has traded with a premium since its release last month.

Italian wine is currently in the spotlight amid a flurry of new releases, including the high-quality Brunello 2019 vintage and the 2021 vintage of the Super Tuscans Sassicaia and Ornellaia.

Brunello 2019 enters the market

The 2019 Brunello vintage is shaping up to be exceptional, potentially surpassing the subsequent vintages of 2020, 2021, and 2022, which were characterised by significantly higher temperatures. In terms of quality, critics have placed it on par with 2016, 2010 and 2006.

While Brunello may not dominate the fine wine market as prominently as the Super Tuscans, it has potential for attractive investment returns, especially from producers like Biondi Santi, Poggio di Sotto, and Casanova di Neri. These wines often come at more appealing price points compared to their counterparts.

For instance, Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino has risen 73% in value over the last five years, outperforming the likes of Sassicaia and Masseto. Poggio di Sotto’s performance has been equally impressive, rising 187% in the last decade, while Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova has been up 126%. At the top end, the more expensive and highly sought-after Soldera Casse Basse has returned 237% over the same period.

The historic performance of these brands strengthens the case for buying in vintages where the quality is high, and where the releases offer relative value.

Super Tuscan releases

In the world of fine wine, the most talked about Italian releases have been Sassicaia and Ornellaia 2021.

Ornellaia 2021 was released at £1,850 per 12×75, the same price as the 2020 release. At this price, the wine is the most expensive recent vintage on the market since 2016. Antonio Galloni (Vinous) awarded it 99-points and said that it ‘captures all the magic of this sensational vintage on the Tuscan Coast’. Meanwhile, Monica Larner (Wine Advocate) gave it 96-points and described it as ‘a very open-knit and exuberant Tuscan red’.

Ornellaia

Sassicaia 2021 was released last month at £2,500 per case, up 4.2% on the 2020‘s release price. The wine has since traded at a premium on the secondary market. It received 100-points from Monica Larner who called it ‘a quintessential Sassicaia that represents the excellence of the vintage and also respects the unique taste profile of this distinguished Tuscan blend of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc’. Galloni gave it 98+ points and noted that it was ‘one of the best young Sassicaias I can remember tasting’. ‘In a word: magnificent’, said the critic.

Sassicaia

Italy gathers momentum

Recent releases have stimulated the secondary market for Italian wine. The region has been the best performing fine wine market segment over the last two years, as well as in the last few months. In February, the Liv-ex Italy 100 index posted a modest rise of 0.1%, but some vintages of Fontodi Flaccianello delle Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale, Tignanello and Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino Riserva enjoyed double-digit returns.

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.