Here's Why These Are 7 of the Most Expensive Wines in The World
Some wines hold an extraordinary and rare status, commanding exorbitant prices and considered a coveted symbol of prestige by many. Allow us to introduce you to these gems and unveil the factors that make them so exceptionally valuable.
At the zenith of the wine hierarchy lie the red wines! But what truly sets a good wine apart? The answer lies in a combination of exceptional vineyards, impeccable grape varieties, ideal climatic conditions, and the expert craftsmanship and knowledge of dedicated winegrowers. It is these elements that come together to create wines of unparalleled excellence.
For true wine connoisseurs, the perfect balance of acidity and tannins bestows a red wine with a rich, warm, and robust flavor. Those who appreciate the finer things in life don't hesitate to indulge in a good bottle of wine. However, some wines surpass all expectations, reaching astronomical prices and securing their place among the most expensive wines in the world. Without further ado, let's explore our top 7 selections!
7th place: Penfolds Grange 1951 - €88,000
In the 7th spot, we have the illustrious Penfolds Grange 1951, originating from Australia and commercially available since the 1950s. Crafted from Shiraz grapes, this wine is celebrated for its exceptional quality and high alcohol content. In a jaw-dropping auction held in 2021, a bottle of this fine vintage sold for a staggering €88,000.
Adding to its allure, this particular bottle belongs to the inaugural Grange vintage, and its scarcity is further highlighted by the existence of only 35 other bottles, nearly half of them in full vintage collections. The wine's clandestine creation by the skilled winemaker Max Schubert, who secretly produced it behind the backs of his superiors, adds an air of mystique. To make it even more special, the bottle was recorked and personally signed by Schubert in August 1988.
6th place: Château Margaux 1787 - €191,000
This wine is renowned for its delicate aromas and harmonious blend of power and elegance. Interestingly, former US President Thomas Jefferson was a proud owner of several bottles of this exquisite wine. In 1989, an extravagant dinner hosted by wine merchant William Sokolin at the Four Seasons restaurant in New York was to feature a bottle of Château Margaux owned by Jefferson, with an expected price of $500,000. Unfortunately, the bottle met a tragic fate, breaking before it could be sold. Nevertheless, the insurance payout of €191,000 for the damage cemented its place as one of the world's most expensive, albeit undrunk, wines.
5th place: Château Lafite-Rothschild 1869 - €195,000
At the 5th spot, we have the iconic Château Lafite-Rothschild 1869, which calls Pauillac, Médoc, near Bordeaux, its home. Owned by the illustrious Rothschild family, this winery enjoys global acclaim. At a momentous wine auction in 2010 at Sotheby's in Hong Kong, a bottle of Château Lafite-Rothschild 1869 fetched a breathtaking €195,000. Notably, this vintage predates the devastating phylloxera outbreak that struck European vineyards in the late 19th century, making it an even rarer gem.
4th place: Château Cheval Blanc 1947 - €276,000
Stepping into the 4th position is the esteemed Château Cheval Blanc 1947, certified with the prestigious Grand Cru Classé A designation and located in St. Emilion, Bordeaux. The exceptional warmth of the 1947 vintage contributed to the creation of this magnificent wine, crafted from Merlot and a high proportion of Cabernet Franc. In 2010, a discerning wine collector acquired a 6-liter bottle of Château Cheval Blanc for an awe-inspiring €276,000 at a Geneva auction.
Top 3: You could trade a bottle of wine for a house
3rd place: Romanée-Conti 1945 - € 491,000
Moving up to our 3rd spot, we find the Romanée-Conti 1945, emerging from the renowned Domaine de la Romanée-Conti in Burgundy. This extraordinary wine features Pinot Noir grapes, cleared and restocked from the vines of "La Tâche" after the harvest. Being the last grapes from the winery's old vines, they imbue the wine with an exceptional and robust flavor. In 2018, an anonymous bidder from Hong Kong bid a staggering €491,000 (equivalent to $558,000 at the time) for this coveted bottle at a Sotheby's auction. Remarkably, on the same memorable evening, a second bottle of Romanée-Conti also sold for €434,000.
2nd place: Screaming Eagle 1992 - €528,000
A Cabernet from the prestigious winery in Napa Valley, California, this debut vintage of 1992 scored an impressive 99 points from Robert Parker. Produced in limited quantities, only a handful of 6-liter bottles were ever filled. During a charity event in 2000, one of these rare 6-liter bottles was auctioned for $500,000 and claimed by actor Bailey Chase ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer"). The dollar price would have surpassed the Romanée-Conti, but thanks to the favorable euro exchange rate at the time, the Screaming Eagle claims the 2nd spot with a value of €528,000.
1st place: The Setting 2019 - €980,000
Finally, occupying the 1st place and setting a new record for the world's most expensive wine is The Setting 2019, a Jeroboam Edition Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. On November 6, 2021, entrepreneur Don Steiner purchased this extraordinary bottle for an astounding $1,000,000, equivalent to just under €980,000.
What makes this wine so exceptional? The cult following surrounding Jesse Katz's "The Setting" winery and the extremely limited number of bottles ever produced contribute to its astronomical price. This unique 6-liter bottle of 3-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon stands as a true one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Undoubtedly, this treasure will likely remain unopened, continuing to captivate wine enthusiasts worldwide.
