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 359 auction lots across 2 categories. Bordeaux Red commands the highest average prices at $171 per bottle, more than 3x the average for Red Burgundy ($53). Over the five-year period, Bordeaux Red has appreciated fastest at 7.1% CAGR, while Red Burgundy has seen prices decline at -4.2% annually.
Price Comparison by Region
Red Burgundy peaked at $63 in 2021 before softening to $53 most recently. Bordeaux Red grew 32% from $130 in 2021 to $171 in 2025.
| Region / Category | 2021 Avg | 2022 Avg | 2023 Avg | 2024 Avg | 2025 Avg | Total Lots | CAGR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Burgundy | $63 | $11 | $25 | $60 | $53 | 22 | -4.2% |
| Bordeaux Red | $130 | $92 | $236 | $103 | $171 | 337 | 7.1% |
Average hammer price per bottle, all producers combined. CAGR from 2021 to most recent year with data. Source: WineAuction.ai — 359 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 7.1% CAGR — backed by 337 lots of market evidence.
- →Most liquid market:: Bordeaux Red trades the most volume at 337 lots — the most active secondary market and easiest to exit positions in.
- →Value opportunity:: Bordeaux Red offers 7.1% annual growth at an average of $171 per bottle — strong appreciation at a lower entry price than the category leaders.
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