Fine wine news

If Bordeaux wine growers set affordable prices for the 2011 en primeur campaign it could reignite interest in first growths.

This is the prediction from the Liv-ex Fine Wine Exchange, which suggested that demand for the wines will be strong if they do not reach the high prices seen last year.

A similar situation arose in 2009, it noted, when the 2008 vintage was fairly priced.

Liv-ex also predicted that first growths could see a return to value in 2012, while economic growth in China will also have an impact on the market.

Sentiment towards wine investment could also change when Robert Parker publishes his in-bottle scores for the 2009 vintage.

"The vintage's scores may eclipse those of its forerunners, making it a 'must have' for collectors and strengthening interest in Bordeaux," Liv-ex stated.

Indeed, the critic's recent Magical 20 wine tasting of the 2009 vintage was so positive and led to demand for the bottles, leading to predictions that his in-bottle scores will have a similar impact.

Posted by Helen Jenkins