Top 10 most expensive wine bottles in the world


The traditional approach to investing in the wine market is known as "buy-and-hold." It involves purchasing bottles when they are initially released on the primary market and selling them for financial gain or enjoying them by consuming them once they have matured.

In Bordeaux, the primary market works similarly to futures contracts. After the harvest, the wines are offered for sale while still maturing in barrels. Buyers place orders and make payments, and the wines are delivered after approximately 18 months of maturation.

In other wine-growing regions, wines are generally sold once they have been bottled, either directly by the estate or through intermediaries. The secondary market for wine is decentralized and fragmented.

Overall, the wine market is complex, not easily transparent, and has low liquidity. These factors can make valuation challenging and make it difficult to quickly sell wine at its estimated value. Additionally, implementing investment strategies beyond simply buying and holding wine can be costly and complicated, particularly for inexperienced investors.

### **1. 1945 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Conti Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits ($206,169)**

![Image of 1945 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Conti Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits](https://hedonova.b-cdn.net/Hedonova%20images/%20All%20Hedonova%20blogs/Top%2010%20most%20expensive%20wine%20bottles%20in%20the%20world/1945-domaine-de-la-romanee-conti-romanee-conti-grand-cru-cote-de-nuits.webp)

This wine from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti is highly regarded and considered one of the finest wines in the world. The 1945 vintage is known for its exceptional quality. It exhibits aromas of black truffle, blackcurrant, and spice. The palate retains its flavors of mint and pepper along with silky tannins. Wine Spectator, a renowned wine publication, gave this wine a score of 96, indicating its outstanding quality.

### **2. 2015 Domaine Leroy Musigny Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits ($136,936)**

![Image of 2015 Domaine Leroy Musigny Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits](https://hedonova.b-cdn.net/Hedonova%20images/%20All%20Hedonova%20blogs/Top%2010%20most%20expensive%20wine%20bottles%20in%20the%20world/2015-domaine-leroy-musigny-grand-cru-cote-de-nuits.webp)

Domaine Leroy is a prestigious wine producer based in Cote de Nuits, Burgundy. Their Musigny Grand Cru is highly sought after by wine enthusiasts. The 2015 vintage of this wine is particularly noteworthy. It offers enticing aromas of raspberry, rose, cherry, and spice. On the palate, it presents a multidimensional experience with satiny tannins, showcasing the elegance and complexity of the wine.

### **3. 1847 Chateau D’Yquem, Sauternes ($100,004)**

![Image of 1847 Chateau D’Yquem, Sauternes](https://hedonova.b-cdn.net/Hedonova%20images/%20All%20Hedonova%20blogs/Top%2010%20most%20expensive%20wine%20bottles%20in%20the%20world/1847-chateau-d-yquem-sauternes.webp)

Chateau d'Yquem is renowned for producing some of the world's greatest sweet wines from the Sauternes region in Bordeaux, France. The 1847 vintage is considered exceptional. It features an incredible nose of ripe raspberries followed by heady vanilla notes. The palate is rich and luscious, displaying flavors of plum and honey. This wine has received high praise, with Wine Spectator rating it 99 and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate giving it a perfect score of 100.

### **4. 1998 Leroy Domaine D’Auvenay Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune ($70,135)**

![Image of 1998 Leroy Domaine D’Auvenay Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune](https://hedonova.b-cdn.net/Hedonova%20images/%20All%20Hedonova%20blogs/Top%2010%20most%20expensive%20wine%20bottles%20in%20the%20world/1998-leroy-domaine-d-auvenay-chevalier-montrachet-grand-cru-cote-de-beaune.webp)

Domaine d'Auvenay, owned by Lalou Bize Leroy, is known for producing exceptional wines in Cote de Beaune, Burgundy. The 1998 vintage of their Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru white wine is highly regarded. It reveals enticing aromas of honey, white flowers, and apricots. On the palate, it offers a textured experience with light fruity flavors and a delightful balance.

### **5. 1959 Egon Muller Scharzhofberger Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese ($41,305)**

![Image of 1959 Egon Muller Scharzhofberger Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese](https://hedonova.b-cdn.net/Hedonova%20images/%20All%20Hedonova%20blogs/Top%2010%20most%20expensive%20wine%20bottles%20in%20the%20world/1959-egon-muller-scharzhofberger-riesling-trockenbeerenauslese.webp)

Weingut Egon Muller is a renowned winery based in the Saar Valley, Mosel, Germany. They specialize in producing exceptional Riesling wines. The 1959 vintage of their Scharzhofberger Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese is highly regarded. It showcases sublime aromas of ripe lemon, rock, minerality, and spices. On the palate, it has an airy texture and presents a plethora of flavors that lead to an infinite, long-lasting finish.

### **6. 2017 Domaine Georges & Christophe Roumier Musigny Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits ($33,832)**

![Image of 2017 Domaine Georges & Christophe Roumier Musigny Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits](https://hedonova.b-cdn.net/Hedonova%20images/%20All%20Hedonova%20blogs/Top%2010%20most%20expensive%20wine%20bottles%20in%20the%20world/2017-domaine-georges-christophe-roumier-musigny-grand-cru-cote-de-nuits.webp)

Domaine Georges Roumier is a prestigious Burgundy wine producer known for crafting highly rated wines. Their 2017 Musigny Grand Cru from Cote de Nuits exhibits enticing aromas of orange rind, cherries, and candied peel notes. On the palate, it reveals black fruit and cassis flavors with a balanced and harmonious profile.

### **7. 1959 Dom Perignon Rose, Champagne ($26,269)**

![Image of 1959 Dom Perignon Rose, Champagne](https://hedonova.b-cdn.net/Hedonova%20images/%20All%20Hedonova%20blogs/Top%2010%20most%20expensive%20wine%20bottles%20in%20the%20world/1959-dom-perignon-rose-champagne.webp)

The 1959 vintage of Dom Perignon Rose holds a special place in the wine world. It was initially produced exclusively for the grand celebration marking the 2,500th anniversary of the Persian Empire, reserved for the Shah of Iran. This champagne showcases enticing aromas of honey, tobacco, and coffee. It offers ripe fruit flavors, a warm sweetness, and a powerful structure. The exclusivity and historical significance of this vintage contribute to its allure.

### **8. 2014 Leroy Domaine D’Auvenay Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune ($26,625)**

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![Image of 2014 Leroy Domaine D’Auvenay Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune](https://hedonova.b-cdn.net/Hedonova%20images/%20All%20Hedonova%20blogs/Top%2010%20most%20expensive%20wine%20bottles%20in%20the%20world/2014-leroy-domaine-d-auvenay-batard-montrachet-grand-cru-cote-de-beaune.webp)

Domaine d'Auvenay's Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru is a highly esteemed white wine from Cote de Beaune, Burgundy. The 2014 vintage of this wine exhibits a rich and full-bodied profile. It delights the senses with flavors of tangerine, creamy textures, honeyed nuances, and a lingering oak finish. The refined white tannins and dry extract contribute to its complexity and overall appeal.

### **9. 2015 Domaine Leflaive Montrachet Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune ($22,887)**

![Image of 2015 Domaine Leflaive Montrachet Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune](https://hedonova.b-cdn.net/Hedonova%20images/%20All%20Hedonova%20blogs/Top%2010%20most%20expensive%20wine%20bottles%20in%20the%20world/2015-domaine-leflaive-montrachet-grand-cru-cote-de-beaune.webp)

Domaine Leflaive is renowned for its exceptional Chardonnay wines from the Cote de Beaune region in Burgundy. The Montrachet Grand Cru is a highly sought-after offering from this esteemed producer. The 2015 vintage displays a fantastic nose with aromas of spring flowers, lemon, and toasted nuts. It presents a concentrated palate with mineral undertones and a lingering finish, showcasing the finesse and elegance of the wine.

### **10. 2014 Leroy Domaine D’Auvenay Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits ($19,509)**

![Image of 2014 Leroy Domaine D’Auvenay Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits](https://hedonova.b-cdn.net/Hedonova%20images/%20All%20Hedonova%20blogs/Top%2010%20most%20expensive%20wine%20bottles%20in%20the%20world/2014-leroy-domaine-d-auvenay-mazis-chambertin-grand-cru-cote-de-nuits.webp)

Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru is another exceptional wine from Domaine d'Auvenay in Cote de Nuits, Burgundy. Crafted from age-worthy Pinot Noir grapes, this wine offers alluring scents of forest floor, licorice, dark berries, and cassis. On the palate, it showcases a graceful and silky texture, refined tannins, and an overall sense of elegance. The wine exemplifies the craftsmanship and complexity associated with Domaine d'Auvenay's wines.

## **5 Wines that exceeded expectations at auctions**

### **1. 1945 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Romanée-Conti Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits ($558,000)**

![Image of 1945 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Romanée-Conti Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits](https://hedonova.b-cdn.net/Hedonova%20images/%20All%20Hedonova%20blogs/Top%2010%20most%20expensive%20wine%20bottles%20in%20the%20world/1945-domaine-de-la-romanee-conti-romanee-conti-grand-cru-cote-de-nuits.webp)

In 2018, a bottle of the 1945 Romanee-Conti from the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti vineyard was sold at a Sotheby's wine auction for an astonishing $558,000. This wine is exceptionally rare, with only 600 bottles produced, making it highly sought after by collectors and wine enthusiasts.

### **2. 1992 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($500,000)**

![Image of 1992 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley](https://hedonova.b-cdn.net/Hedonova%20images/%20All%20Hedonova%20blogs/Top%2010%20most%20expensive%20wine%20bottles%20in%20the%20world/1992-screaming-eagle-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley.webp)

The Screaming Eagle winery in Napa Valley, California, is renowned for producing limited quantities of their highly acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2000, a bottle of the 1992 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon fetched an impressive $500,000 at a charity auction, reflecting its exceptional quality and exclusivity.

### **3. 1945 Chateau Mouton Rothschild (Jeroboam), Pauillac ($310,700)**

![Image of 1945 Chateau Mouton Rothschild (Jeroboam), Pauillac](https://hedonova.b-cdn.net/Hedonova%20images/%20All%20Hedonova%20blogs/Top%2010%20most%20expensive%20wine%20bottles%20in%20the%20world/1945-chateau-mouton-rothschild-_jeroboam_.webp)

Chateau Mouton Rothschild is known for crafting some of the world's most esteemed wines. In a 1997 Christie's auction, a Jeroboam (large format bottle) of the 1945 Chateau Mouton Rothschild was sold for a remarkable $310,700. Notably, the label of the 1945 vintage pays tribute to the Allied Forces during World War II with the symbol "V" denoting victory.

### **4. 1947 Chateau Cheval Blanc St Emilion ($304,375)**

![Image of 1947 Chateau Cheval Blanc St Emilion](https://hedonova.b-cdn.net/Hedonova%20images/%20All%20Hedonova%20blogs/Top%2010%20most%20expensive%20wine%20bottles%20in%20the%20world/1947-chateau-cheval-blanc-st-emilion.webp)

Chateau Cheval Blanc is highly regarded as one of the finest Bordeaux wines ever produced. With its Premier Grand Cru Classe (A) status in the Classification of Saint Emilion wines, it commands great prestige. In a 2010 Christie's auction, a single bottle of the 1947 Chateau Cheval Blanc was sold for an impressive $304,375, reflecting its exceptional quality and desirability among collectors.

### **5. 1907 Charles Heidsieck Champagne ($275,000)**

![Image of 1907 Charles Heidsieck Champagne](https://hedonova.b-cdn.net/Hedonova%20images/%20All%20Hedonova%20blogs/Top%2010%20most%20expensive%20wine%20bottles%20in%20the%20world/1907-charles-heidsieck-champagne.webp)

The story behind the 1907 Charles Heidsieck Champagne is intriguing. In 1998, a discovery was made of 2,000 bottles of this vintage in a sunken Swedish Freighter shipwreck off the coast of Finland. The ship was originally destined for the Imperial Court of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia but was torpedoed during World War I. A single bottle of this historical Champagne was sold for $275,000 at auction, capturing the attention of wine enthusiasts and collectors alike.

## **Wine Investing In 2023**

2022 proved to be a remarkable year for wine investing, with major indices like the Liv-ex 1000 showing a 13.10% increase, while the S&P 500 experienced a loss of 19.4%. This performance highlighted the value of wine as an alternative investment and piqued further interest in the market. As we enter 2023, the focus shifts towards sustaining this bull market.

The "buy and hold" strategy remains dominant in wine investing. Although the fine wine market experienced a slowdown in the fourth quarter of 2022, with a 0.86% decline in the Liv-ex 1000 index, short-term volatility is typically less significant in this asset class. Wine investments are driven by supply and demand dynamics and the aging process, rather than earnings reports. This makes wine a long-term investment, and experts recommend holding wine investments for 3-7 years.

Burgundy and Champagne emerged as the leading sub-regions in the wine market. The Burgundy 150 index and Champagne 50 index finished 2022 with impressive gains of 26.7% and 18.7% respectively. However, as prices in Burgundy rise, investors and collectors may begin seeking relative value in other regions. Liv-ex suggests that the Rhône region offers accessibility in terms of quality relative to pricing, and there is renewed demand for white Burgundy as an alternative to traditionally expensive red wines.

The historical track record of wine investing, including its stability during the financial crisis of 2008 and the pandemic in 2020, offers encouraging prospects for 2023. Wine investing provides diversification in portfolios, attracting both retail and institutional investors. With growing interest and awareness in the asset class, the wine investing industry is undergoing significant development, and there is a focus on increasing the availability and diversity of securitized wine offerings.

## **Conclusion**

While there may be a potential softening of the market compared to the exceptional performance of 2022, wine investments remain well-positioned for those seeking diversification and long-term value, even in the face of market fluctuations.


Wine investing has traditionally followed a "buy-and-hold" strategy, with bottles purchased upon release and later sold for financial gain or consumed after maturation. The primary market in Bordeaux functions like futures contracts, while other regions sell wines once bottled. The wine market is complex, less transparent, and has low liquidity, making valuation challenging and investment strategies beyond buying and holding costly and complicated. The list highlights some of the most valuable wines sold at auctions, with prices exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars. As wine investing gains attention, the focus in 2023 is on sustaining the bull market, with Burgundy and Champagne leading the way. Despite potential softening, wine investments offer diversification and long-term value.

Top 10 most expensive wine bottles in the world

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