Table of Contents
The following is a list of some of the wine world’s finest wines. The true trophies of any collection. These are the wines with the highest pedigrees, generally recognized as the ‘blue-chippers’ of wine investment.
They are some of the most expensive wines of the world, coveted by serious collectors for both newer and older vintages. In general, these wines are built to age with some drinking superbly 50+ years post-bottling. As Robert Parker once said, “These are the wines for only a select few. Not necessarily always the best value, but always a safe bet if the objective is the purchase of prestige, high scores and reliable excellence.”
FRANCE
FIRST GROWTH BORDEAUX
Wine Investment starts and ends with First Growth Bordeaux. These wines sparked the formal age of fine wine investment. Some vintages can age for 75+ years.
Chateau Margaux
Often cited as the wine lover’s preferred First Growth producer.
Chateau Lafite
Beautiful, reliable, suburb.
Chateau Latour
Forceful, outstanding.
Chateau Haut-Brion
Iconic, right bank producer
Chateau Mouton-Rothschild
Iconic labels feature the world’s foremost artists.
ELITE RIGHT BANK BORDEAUX
These right bank Bordeaux wines are predominately Merlot-dominant red wine blends.
Chateau Cheval Blanc
1947 Cheval Blanc is one of the world’s most coveted bottles and was featured in the animated movie Ratatouille. Cabernet Franc is often the dominant grape in this blend.
Chateau Ausone
Another blend that features Cab Franc prominently.
Petrus
One of the most expensive wines sold at retail (new vintages)
Le Pin
Microscopic 120 case annual production. Highly technical wine.
Chateau Angelus
Chateau Pavie
Chateau Lafleur
“SUPER” SECOND/THIRD GROWTH BORDEAUX
Bordeaux (left bank) was officially classified in 1855, and with only one exception (Mouton Rothschild elevated to 1st growth in 1973) changes to the list were strictly prohibited, leaving producers who have since improved stuck on the outside looking in to “First Growth” status. Hence this informal category, recognizing those wines of superior quality even if officially ranked lower (over 160 years ago).
Chateau La Mission Haut Brion
Chateau Leoville Las Cases
Chateau Pichon Lalande
Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou
Chateau Palmer
Chateau Cos D’Estournel
Chateau Montrose
Chateau Pichon Baron
Chateau Pontet Canet
ELITE BURGUNDY (RED)
Domaine De La Romanee-Conti
The most sought after Pinot Noir in the world. Unlike any other wine, it is also the most counterfeited bottle in the world
Henri Jayer
Domaine Comte Georges De Vogue
Domaine Georges Roumier
Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere Et Fils
ELITE BURGUNDY (WHITE)
The best, most age-worthy examples of oaked Chardonnay in the world. The pinnacle of balance.
Domaine Leflaive
Domaine Leroy
ELITE RHONE VALLEY
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Ermitage Cuvee Cathelin
Paul Jaboulet La Chapelle
Chateau De Beaucastel Hommage A Jacques Perrin Chateauneuf-Du-Pape
Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-Du-Pape
ELITE CHAMPAGNE
Krug Clos D’Ambonnay
Boerl & Kroff Brut
ELITE DESSERT
Chateau D’Yquem
The recognized best dessert wine in the world. You can age these wines >100 years.
ITALY (SUPER TUSCANS)
Bordeaux-style red blends often incorporating some Italian varieties. Grown in conditions similar to Bordeaux in France, these wines are built to last and are often exceptional value compared to their French counterparts. Soaring in popularity in the wine investment world.
Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia
Ornellaia
Those in the know in Italy prefer Ornellaia above all the rest in this category
Solaia
ITALY (BRUNELLO)
Brunello represents the acme of Tuscan winemaking. These are the best, most age-worthy examples of Chianti.
Fattoria Poggio Di Sotto
Casanova Di Neri Cerretalto
Case Basse Di Gianfranco Soldera Intistieti
ITALY (BAROLO & BARBARESCO)
Unbelievably complex and age-worthy wines featuring the powerful Nebbiolo grape.
Giacomo Conterno Monfortino Barolo
Mascarello E Figlio Monprivato Barolo
Bruno Giacosa Collina Rionda Barolo
Poderi Aldo Conterno Granbussia Barolo
Roagna Crichet Paje Barbaresco
Bruno Giacoas Gallina Barbaresco
Gaja Sori Tildin Barbaresco
USA
Screaming Eagle
Harlan Estate
Fanatic winemaking at its best
Mondavi Opus One
A true icon of US wine, but much better value exists elsewhere.
AUSTRALIA
Penfold’s Grange
Henschke’s Hill Of Grace
Torbreck, Run Rig And The Laird
Jim Barry, The Armagh
Please note that this list is by no means exhaustive, and for the seasoned collector I am sure there are many notable absences.
