Top 10 Investment Wines 2010s
Top 10 Investment Wines 2010s
INVESTMENT
WINES OF THE
DECADE
W WW.W I N E I N VE S T M E N T.CO M
Top 10 Investment Wines of the Decade
In order to compile a list of interest, breadth and variety we decided to implement some selection criteria. Firstly, we decided
that each of the major investment grade wine regions should be covered in the list – so we have at least one entry from the
US, Italy, Champagne, Rhone, Bordeaux and Burgundy. We also decided that each producer could only have one entry
to the list. So single entry spots for DRC, Leroy and Rousseau who could have proffered many more to the top 10. We also
wanted to choose wines which would have been accessible to buyers in December 2009, and had enough reliable price data
throughout the decade, to ensure its performance was consistent and not a complete anomaly resulting from inaccessibility
and rarity. We feel this has provided a much more interesting cross-section of wines that have all performed exceptionally
well whilst maintaining a level of attainability – so well in fact, for a bit of fun we’ve even compared their performance over
the last 10 years against the world’s leading stock market index – the S&P 500. Over that period the ten wines in question
have increased in value on average 357% whereas the S&P has had an absolute return of just 186%.
Back at the start of this decade if a savvy wine investor had purchased one bottle of each of the wines in our top 10, they
would have made a cool $45,000 profit on just a $12,500 outlay! A great reason to raise a toast to the past decade whilst
looking forward, wondering which wines will make the top 10 next time.
500.00
450.00 +357%
400.00
350.00
300.00
+186%
250.00
200.00
150.00
100.00
50.00
2009-12-31 2010-12-31 2011-12-31 2012-12-31 2013-12-31 2014-12-31 2015-12-31 2016-12-31 2017-12-31 2018-12-31 2019-11-30
Top 10 Investment Wines (Combined) S&P 500
Wine Region:
Burgundy, France
10-Year Performance:
+737%
With all due respect to Bordeaux, the Burgundy region surely produces the most sought-after wines in the world. The
combination of quality, history, terroir & low production when put together make for a wine that is spectacular to drink
while also being a lucrative investment. In the past 10 years, Burgundy prices have taken off to stratospheric levels. This
would only be possible if the wines of the region consistently performed to an ever-raising standard of expectation. A
bottle of Grand Cru Chambertin Burgundy from a respected producer such as Armand Rousseau is thought of in the
same vein as a seminal painting from an acclaimed artist.
These wines are truly pieces of art that are created to be appreciated. From the intricate and detailed maintenance of
the vineyards to the winemaking process. From the unique terroir of the land to the skill and tact of the best winemakers
alive. This unique medley of factors coalesces to create wine that words don’t do justice. In this instance, the wine is
Chambertin, the producer is Rousseau and it is the #1 wine in the Top 10 Investment Wines of the Decade with an
astounding return of 737%.
10 Year Performance
$4,000.00
$3,708.27
$3,500.00
$3,000.00
$2,500.00
$2,000.00
$1,500.00
$1,000.00
$500.00
$0.00
2009-12-31 2010-12-31 2011-12-31 2012-12-31 2013-12-31 2014-12-31 2015-12-31 2016-12-31 2017-12-31 2018-12-31 2019-11-30
Wine Region:
Burgundy, France
10-Year Performance:
+570%
Lalou Bize-Leroy has long been aptly referred to as “the Queen of Burgundy”. A royal title does not get bestowed upon
someone easily, certainly not in wine. Domaine Leroy is the name winery, one of the most revered in all of the world, but
in reality, the magic and mastery centres around the energetic Lalou Bize-Leroy. Her career began in the 1950’s and it has
seen her become the co-manager of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, found three of her own wine producers (Domaine
Leroy, Maison Leroy & Domaine d’Auvenay) and most crucially become the guiding light for Grand Cru level Burgundy
and perhaps winemaking full stop. Her singular dedication to quality means she restricts yields to four bunches per vine,
implements rigorous quality control to ensure only perfect grapes make it into her wines, uses biodynamic viticulture, only
replaces vines with her own cuttings and doesn’t employ an oenologist relying only on her own skills and the quality of her
fruit.
When you invest in a bottle of Domaine Leroy Musigny, you’re not only investing in one of the finest collectible bottles of wine
ever made, you’re investing in a small part of magic from Lalou Bize-Leroy. Production is miniscule and cases distributed in
(3x75cl) format to aid market liquidity. In fact there is rarely more than two barrels made in each vintage! The #2 bottle on
the Top 10 Investment Wines of the Decade is 2001 Domaine Leroy Musigny, with a return of a staggering 570%.
10 Year Performance
$30,000.00
$26,961.28
$25,000.00
$20,000.00
$15,000.00
$10,000.00
$5,000.00
$0.00
2009-12-31 2010-12-31 2011-12-31 2012-12-31 2013-12-31 2014-12-31 2015-12-31 2016-12-31 2017-12-31 2018-12-31 2019-11-30
Wine Region:
Bordeaux, France
10-Year Performance:
+448%
First Growth Bordeaux is the most collected fine wine in the world. This is what happens when an area has been producing
exceptional wine for hundreds of years. With a vast history and global brand recognition that dates back centuries,
Chateau Mouton Rothschild is a name surely all wine drinkers recognize throughout the world. What happens when an
exceptional winery decides it wants to make a wine that is also price accessible? Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild is
the second wine of Château Mouton Rothschild, produced by the same winemakers at a fraction of the cost of the grand
vin. Made with grapes from selected younger vines in the illustrious First Growth vineyard, it is harvested, vinified and
bottled with the same scrupulous attention to detail.
This wine would be classified as a value investment first and foremost, the ability to access to the quality and branding
of Chateau Mouton Rothschild at a fraction of the price is an investment worth exploring. This wine has proven a huge
success for Cult Wines and a gateway to further second wine strategies. It is no surprise to see that this is the #3 bottle in
the Top 10 Investment Wines of the Decade and has rewarded its investors with a return 448%.
10 Year Performance
$350.00
$316.29
$300.00
$250.00
$200.00
$150.00
$100.00
$50.00
$0.00
2009-12-31 2010-12-31 2011-12-31 2012-12-31 2013-12-31 2014-12-31 2015-12-31 2016-12-31 2017-12-31 2018-12-31 2019-11-30
04 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti,
Romanee-Conti 2004
Wine Region:
Burgundy, France
10-Year Performance:
+254%
Simply put, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti is without a doubt the most famous Domaine in Burgundy and one of the
most famous producers on Earth. Known simply as DRC, the history of this winery can be traced back centuries. DRC is
unique in that the entire stable of wines (9 in total) are Grand Cru, the most exclusive & expensive label is its namesake,
Romanee Conti. Jancis Robinson has awarded the Domaine perfect scores four times, Wine Advocate has also awarded
perfect 100 points four times, Vinous once, Burghound once, the list goes on. In short DRC is considered by many to be
the absolute pinnacle of red Burgundy. “Its wines are notable for their richness and longevity” according to Jasper Morris
MW.
This winery is renowned for a rich history and long-lasting quality. It is the absolute epitome of investable wine from the
Burgundy region, revered by critics and collectors worldwide. DRC Romanee-Conti has rewarded the lucky few who own
these bottles with a return of 254% and is the #4 wine in the Top 10 Investment Wines of the Decade.
10 Year Performance
$20,000.00
$18,541.33
$18,000.00
$16,000.00
$14,000.00
$12,000.00
$10,000.00
$8,000.00
$6,000.00
$4,000.00
$2,000.00
$0.00
2009-12-31 2010-12-31 2011-12-31 2012-12-31 2013-12-31 2014-12-31 2015-12-31 2016-12-31 2017-12-31 2018-12-31 2019-11-30
Wine Region:
Rhône, France
10-Year Performance:
+201%
Certain producers represent the high-water mark for their region, these labels are the target that every winemaker
compares itself to. Chateau Rayas is the pinnacle of Chateauneuf-du-pape, it stands alone for all to revere. Rayas is blessed
with a unique micro-climate, due to a soil that is mostly sand and the large pine and oak trees found in their vineyards.
The sandy terroir is naturally cool, because of the large amount of clay in the soils which also helps retain moisture, giving
the terroir a lot of humidity, that aids in keeping temperature cool for the region. Utilizing these unique advantages has
only be done by the Reynaud family, they began working the property in 1880.
When all of these factors are blended together the world gets a wine that has been described as hauntingly beautiful in
character. With a miniscule annual production coupled with such a unique micro-climate it is no wonder Chateau Rayas
2005 comes in at #5 on the Top 10 Investment Wines of the Decade with a return of 201%
10 Year Performance
$1,100.00
$1,000.00
$970.69
$900.00
$800.00
$700.00
$600.00
$500.00
$400.00
$300.00
$200.00
$100.00
2009-12-31 2010-12-31 2011-12-31 2012-12-31 2013-12-31 2014-12-31 2015-12-31 2016-12-31 2017-12-31 2018-12-31 2019-11-30
06 Angelus 2008
Wine Region:
Bordeaux, France
10-Year Performance:
+196%
Angelus 2008
On the right bank of the Bordeaux region lies Saint-Emilion, this region is known for producing stunning wines based
around the Merlot & Cabernet Franc grapes. While the noisy neighbours of the Left Bank with their famous 1855
Classification of 1st growth producers quote history to promote their quality, those in Saint-Emilion prefer to make their
wineries earn their status. Every 10 years Saint-Emilion allows wineries to apply for promotion to Premier Grand Cru
Classe A status. In 1955 there were only two Grand Cru Classe A producers, then everything changed in 2012 when
Chateau Angelus & Chateau Pavie earned an upgrade to this respected classification. Almost all vintages have moved
considerably since then and elevated them both to new peaks. What puts Chateau Angelus 2008 in the Top 10 Investment
Wines of the Decade? Determination and dedication to ever improving their spectacular wine.
Chateau Angelus committed itself to producing the best possible wine they could, their hard work was rewarded with the
highest classification possible, investors reward was a return of 196% and the #6 wine on the Top 10 Investment Wines
of the Decade.
10 Year Performance
$400.00
$350.00
$300.00 $294.48
$250.00
$200.00
$150.00
$100.00
$50.00
$0.00
2009-12-31 2010-12-31 2011-12-31 2012-12-31 2013-12-31 2014-12-31 2015-12-31 2016-12-31 2017-12-31 2018-12-31 2019-11-30
Wine Region:
Burgundy, France
10-Year Performance:
+188%
There are very few bottles of wine that put a smile on faces and inspire giggles from grown adults, White Burgundy
inspires these reactions almost uncontrollably. Domaine Coche-Dury is widely regarded as one of the five or six best
white-wine makers in Burgundy. When your competition is the most revered wine making region in the world and you’re
consistently considered in the top 1%, you’re doing something right. Corton-Charlemagne is named for the Holy Roman
Emperor Charlemagne. He once owned the hill where the vineyards are now located. Vineyards here have existed for
some 1500 years. Burgundy is often light-heartedly referred to as a fine wine “Holy Land” and collectors across the world
make a pilgrimage to show their respect.
When a wine can inspire uncontrollable emotional reactions and inspire people to travel the world, surely it is something
to be invested in. 2005 Coche-Dury Corton Charlemagne is #7 on the Top 10 Investment Wines of the Decade with a
return of 188%.
10 Year Performance
$7,000.00
$6,000.00
$5,000.00 $5,017.07
$4,000.00
$3,000.00
$2,000.00
$1,000.00
$0.00
2009-12-31 2010-12-31 2011-12-31 2012-12-31 2013-12-31 2014-12-31 2015-12-31 2016-12-31 2017-12-31 2018-12-31 2019-11-30
Wine Region:
Piedmont, Italy
10-Year Performance:
+187%
Barolo is affectionately known as “The king of wines, wine of kings” many producers are revered in the Piedmont Hills,
none more so than Bruno Giacosa. He was known as “The Genius of Neive”, sadly Bruno passed away in January 2018. His
sought-after Barolo Vigna Rocche Riserva is thought to be equal to any red wine made in the world. Bruno only made the
Red Label Barolo in vintages he deemed worthy, which means the accessibility of these wines is extremely difficult. 2001
as a vintage in Piedmont is highly regarded, these wines have begun to enter their drinking window which increases their
value immensely.
In the past 10 years Piedmont as a region has gone from a hidden gem to a sparkling diamond. Consistency and quality
across the region has raised the profile of Barolo for collectors worldwide. The rarity of truly special vintages in the
Piedmont hills has only made certain years more sought-after. When you couple a label as highly regarded as Bruno
Giacosa Barolo Vigna Rocche Risera, with a respected vintage such as 2001 you get extreme performance to the tune of
187% and the #8 wine on the top 10 investment wines of the decade.
10 Year Performance
$900.00
$800.00
$785.28
$700.00
$600.00
$500.00
$400.00
$300.00
$200.00
$100.00
$0.00
2009-12-31 2010-12-31 2011-12-31 2012-12-31 2013-12-31 2014-12-31 2015-12-31 2016-12-31 2017-12-31 2018-12-31 2019-11-30
“The 1996 Salon is just dazzling. It needs a good bit of air to fully
open up, but the 1996 Salon is simply a mesmerizing Champagne
that sizzles with energy, cut and total precision. A second bottle
later in the week was every bit as compelling. When the 1996
Salon is on, it is just about as great as Champagne gets. Drink
between 2017-2037.”
Wine Region:
Champagne, France
10-Year Performance:
+168%
Producer: Salon
Classification: Grand Cru
Region: Champagne
Country: France
Varietal: Chardonnay
Production: 60,000 Bottles
Champagne is often regarded as a celebratory drink to mark special occasions, very rarely do people sit back and consider
Champagne a serious wine. There are a few producers that force you to recognize the quality of their offering, Salon
is one of these producers. Salon only produces their Champagne in exceptional years. (there were only 37 releases in
the entirety of the 20th century) Unlike many of the other Champagne houses, Salon exclusively releases one label per
vintage. The consistency of quality per release and the exclusivity of vintages released makes Salon extremely rare and
incredibly attractive.
Champagne as a region experiences extremely difficult weather, thus marking exceptional vintages as must own. 1996
is one of 3 vintages currently released within the past 30 years that is universally regarded for quality (2002, 1996, 1990).
1996 Salon Le Mesnil is the perfect storm of vintage, producer & quality. This wine comes in #9 on the top 10 investment
wines of the decade with a return of 168%. Truly something to be celebrated!
10 Year Performance
$900.00
$828.91
$800.00
$700.00
$600.00
$500.00
$400.00
$300.00
$200.00
$100.00
2009-12-31 2010-12-31 2011-12-31 2012-12-31 2013-12-31 2014-12-31 2015-12-31 2016-12-31 2017-12-31 2018-12-31 2019-11-30
10 Dominus 2002
Wine Region:
Napa Valley, USA
10-Year Performance:
+160%
Dominus 2002
Producer: Dominus
Region: Napa Valley
Country: United States
Varietal: Bordeaux Blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot)
Production: 60,000 Bottles
What happens when you put a historic California vineyard in the hands of a revered French wine maker? You get
Dominus. Owned by Christian Moueix – of Bordeaux estates Petrus and Trotanoy – this estate benefits from having not
only extremely experienced winemakers but also established brand recognition.
California Cabernet blends have always felt like the little brother to Bordeaux, fighting for respect and recognition.
Certain producers from California have begun to be viewed as truly equals on a worldwide scale, Dominus is on this list.
Quality is the key word in California, there consistent climate has always allowed for quantity of production. This wine was
made with the restraint of Bordeaux mixed with the spirit of California, wine critic Robert Parker is a long-term admirer of
the estate and gave this wine 99 points. 2002 Dominus is #10 on our top 10 Investment Wines of the Decade with a return
of 160% fuelled by quality and high scores.
10 Year Performance
$400.00
$350.00
$300.00
$261.76
$250.00
$200.00
$150.00
$100.00
$50.00
$0.00
2009-12-31 2010-12-31 2011-12-31 2012-12-31 2013-12-31 2014-12-31 2015-12-31 2016-12-31 2017-12-31 2018-12-31 2019-11-30
Dominus 2002
8 Bruno Giacosa, Barolo Vigna Rocche Riserva 2001 Italy $271.00 $780.00 187%
*only wines chosen which had reliable price data over the 10 year period
**only easily accessible wines included (I.e. older rarer wines ignored)
***only one wine per producer included (i.e. no multiple entries for Leroy, DRC or Rousseau)
****at least one wine included from each major investment grade region: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Champagne, Italy and US.
*****12 bottle case prices were used for calculations before rounding down to per bottle price. Loose bottle prices ignored for this purpose.
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