Vintage Guide: What 5 Years of Auction Prices Tell Us About the Best Years to Buy
Which wine vintages command the biggest premium at auction? 5-year data analysis reveals the best and worst vintages to buy for 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2016.
Vintage variation is one of fine wine's most powerful price drivers — auction data across 5 years reveals which years collectors are paying the most to own.
This analysis draws on 422 auction lots across 2 categories. Bordeaux Red commands the highest average prices at $88 per bottle. Over the five-year period, Red Burgundy has appreciated fastest at 1.6% CAGR, while Bordeaux Red has seen prices decline at -10.8% annually.
Price Comparison by Region
Bordeaux Red peaked at $226 in 2023 before softening to $88 most recently.
| Region / Category | 2021 Avg | 2022 Avg | 2023 Avg | 2024 Avg | 2025 Avg | Total Lots | CAGR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Burgundy | $63 | $11 | $22 | $62 | $67 | 30 | 1.6% |
| Bordeaux Red | $139 | $100 | $226 | $111 | $88 | 392 | -10.8% |
Average hammer price per bottle, all producers combined. CAGR from 2021 to most recent year with data. Source: WineAuction.ai — 422 lots across 9 houses.
Price Per Bottle: Most Recent Year
A visual comparison of average hammer prices in the most recent year of data.
Key Takeaways
- →Most liquid market:: Bordeaux Red trades the most volume at 392 lots — the most active secondary market and easiest to exit positions in.
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