As the wine industry converges on Bordeaux for this year’s En Primeur, all eyes are on the region’s most coveted wines. While anticipation often swirls around the usual Bordeaux heavyweights—those renowned red blends from centuries-old Châteaux—could this year see a surprise inclusion of whites or lesser-known projects? The short answer: not really. Apart from the obligatory sweet white, which is always a spot reserved for Château d’Yquem, the 2023 edition follows a familiar pattern.
The five First Growths—Bordeaux’s elite wine estates—are once again in the spotlight, joined by rising stars from appellations like Pomerol, Saint-Émilion, and Sauternes. While there are no shocking newcomers on the list, it’s worth examining how the rankings have shifted since last year and whether price adjustments reflect broader economic trends.
Critics’ scores, compiled from a panel of experts on Wine-Searcher, and the Global Average Retail Price (GARP) in USD, provide a clearer picture of the 2023 vintage. Unsurprisingly, the same ten wines from 2022 have once again claimed spots on the list. However, the rankings have shuffled slightly, and prices have dropped across the board—mirroring the ongoing financial struggles experienced globally in recent years.
The Shuffling Rankings and Price Adjustments
Château Lafite Rothschild has reclaimed the top spot this year, bumping Château Mouton Rothschild to second place. Lafite’s price, which stood at $942 last year, has dropped to $887 this year, despite a slight uptick in its popularity. This price drop aligns with a broader trend, where consumers are increasingly tempted by lower prices amid economic uncertainty. Lafite’s critic score remains a solid 96.
Château Mouton Rothschild, in second place, saw a price drop from $729 to $699. However, its critic score improved, climbing from 96 to 97, solidifying its status as a top contender in the Bordeaux hierarchy.
Moving up to third place, Château Latour has advanced from last year’s fifth place. Its price has slightly decreased from $794 to $767, but it retains a steady score of 96.
In fourth place, Château Margaux maintains its position from last year, with a small price drop from $768 to $741. Like Mouton Rothschild, Margaux’s critic score has increased from 96 to 97, suggesting a growing admiration from wine critics.
Petrus, which held third place in 2022, has now dropped to fifth. Although its price has slightly decreased from $4,254 to $4,155, the wine’s score remains a stellar 97, making it one of the most expensive—and highly regarded—wines on the list.
At sixth place, Château d’Yquem, the only sweet wine to make the cut, has moved up a spot from last year. The price has dipped from $474 to $469, while its 96-point score remains unchanged.
Château Haut-Brion follows in seventh place, experiencing a modest price decrease from $646 to $628. Like many others, it has held steady at 96 points.
In eighth place, Château Pontet-Canet remains unchanged from last year. While its price has dropped slightly from $139 to $133, it still carries a respectable 95-point rating, making it the most affordable option on the list.
Château Cheval Blanc moves up from last year’s last place to ninth, with its price dropping from $763 to $743. The wine has gained in popularity, as reflected in its improved critic score, rising from 96 to 97.
Finally, Château Lynch-Bages rounds out the list in tenth place, dropping one spot from 2022. Its price has decreased from $171 to $165, and its critic score of 94 remains consistent.
Value for Money in a Shifting Market
While the rankings of Bordeaux’s elite wines may seem largely unchanged, two wines—Château Lynch-Bages and Château Pontet-Canet—stand out for offering relative value in comparison to their peers. As worldwide sales of Bordeaux wines stagnate, and tariffs rise, these wines may provide some of the best deals on the market. It remains to be seen whether Bordeaux will continue to offer such bargains as the region navigates ongoing global economic challenges.
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