2009 first growth prices dip

Recent analysis by Liv-ex has shown that price movement among the 2009 first growths has been sluggish in recent months.

Latour and Margaux have appreciated the most with a 6% rise from their June release, which leaves them on £11,150 and £8,500 a case respectively.

This rise means that Latour is now roughly equal to Lafite in price – a property that had the highest release price of all the first growths.

Haut-Brion and Mouton-Rothschild had the biggest slides, particularly in August when Mouton, which had been released at £8,000 a case, dropped to £6,500 and has only just climbed back up to the £7,000 mark alongside Haut-Brion, which had a somewhat calmer descent.

Overall, the 2009 first growths have seen a 2.1% decline in prices. By contrast the 2005s have risen 6% on average and the 2000s 8%.

Across the five estates 2009 is still trading 22% above the 2005 vintages but 3% lower than 2000.

Lafite still dominates in this vintage, with a case costing around £18,000, a long way ahead of its closest competitor Latour on £8,500.

Rupert Millar, 16.09.2010