2003 Bordeaux Revisited

Have you ever wished you could go back in time and buy first growth Bordeaux at the release price? You may just get your wish with the 2003 Haut Brion.

At auction, the 2003 Haut Brion will cost you around $280/bottle including buyer's premium. Of course, at any given auction, prices may be higher. Patience may be required to buy at the average price, especially if you are buying a lot of 12 in an original wooden case. Retail prices can be highly variable, but a wine-searcher check shows three California retail sources with prices at $280 or under.

The fall 2006 release price for the 2003 Haut Brion (not the summer 2004 futures price) was around $325/bottle, according to both eRobertParker.com and Vinfolio's WinePrices.com. While the 2003 Mouton and 2003 Margaux are also showing price weakness, only the Haut Brion is actually trading below its release price.

Release and current prices of all 2003 first growth Bordeaux follow:

Wine..........Release/Current

Lafite.........$400/ $1100
Mouton.... $275/$312
Margaux... $375/$538
Latour.......$400/$766

Haut Brion $325/$280

While all investment grade wines may in the middle of a price correction, the 2003 Haut Brion may already be near its bottom.