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 65 auction lots across 2 categories. Bordeaux Red commands the highest average prices at $457 per bottle, more than 5x the average for Red Burgundy ($100). Over the five-year period, Bordeaux Red has appreciated fastest at 44.1% CAGR, while Red Burgundy has seen prices decline at -4.5% annually.
Price Comparison by Region
Bordeaux Red grew 331% from $106 in 2021 to $457 in 2025.
| Region / Category | 2021 Avg | 2022 Avg | 2023 Avg | 2024 Avg | 2025 Avg | Total Lots | CAGR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Burgundy | $120 | $13 | $63 | $2,841 | $100 | 31 | -4.5% |
| Bordeaux Red | $106 | $25 | $98 | $7 | $457 | 34 | 44.1% |
Average hammer price per bottle, all producers combined. CAGR from 2021 to most recent year with data. Source: WineAuction.ai — 65 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
- →Best-performing category:: Bordeaux Red has delivered the strongest appreciation at 44.1% CAGR — backed by 34 lots of market evidence.
- →Most liquid market:: Bordeaux Red trades the most volume at 34 lots — the most active secondary market and easiest to exit positions in.
- →Value opportunity:: Bordeaux Red offers 44.1% annual growth at an average of $457 per bottle — strong appreciation at a lower entry price than the category leaders.
Related Articles
Wine Auction House Comparison: Acker, Zachys, Christie's, Sotheby's, and HDH
Compare the top wine auction houses by buyer's premium, lot volume, price realization, and specialty. 5-year data on where to buy fine wine at auction.
Read article →Bordeaux vs Burgundy vs Champagne: Best ROI 2021–2026?
Indexed price appreciation for Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne from 2021–2026. Risk-adjusted returns by region show where fine wine investment has paid off.
Read article →Auction Discount or Premium? Which Fine Wines Consistently Beat Retail
Identify fine wines that consistently trade below Wine Searcher retail at auction, and those that trade at a premium. 5-year data across 50,000+ lots.
Read article →The Best Time of Year to Buy Wine at Auction: Seasonal Price Patterns
When are wine auction prices lowest? 5-year analysis of hammer prices by month reveals seasonal buying opportunities for collectors.
Read article →