Bordeaux 2024 En Primeur: A Vintage of Complexity and Caution

The 2024 Bordeaux en primeur campaign has arrived during a period of significant challenge for the global fine wine market. Sluggish demand, currency headwinds, and the availability of high-quality back vintages have created a cautious buying environment. However, there are still opportunities for savvy collectors—particularly those interested in securing top-tier wines at entry-level pricing not seen in over a decade.

How the En Primeur System Works

The en primeur, or wine futures, system allows buyers to purchase Bordeaux wines while they are still aging in barrel, typically 12–18 months before bottling and release. Buyers secure allocations early, often at lower prices than the same wines will command once in bottle. The system has traditionally allowed access to rare or in-demand labels, but it also carries risks—such as changes in wine quality between barrel and bottle, or price declines in the secondary market.

Vintage Overview: 2024 in Context

The 2024 vintage was shaped by a cool, wet spring followed by a warm, dry summer. Mildew pressure and uneven flowering made it a difficult year in the vineyard, yet many top producers delivered elegant, fresh wines with moderate alcohol levels and balanced acidity. These are wines built on finesse and terroir expression, rather than power.

Compared to the last two vintages, 2022 remains the standout with wines of concentration and long-term aging potential—though it came with steep release prices. The 2023 vintage was more variable and received a cautious reception. In this context, 2024 offers a compelling option for collectors who appreciate freshness and vibrancy in their Bordeaux.

Market Dynamics: Lower Prices and Strong Scores

In a clear response to weak demand and global market conditions, many châteaux significantly lowered their 2024 en primeur release prices. Château Lafite Rothschild released its 2024 wine at €288 per bottle ex-négociant, a 27% drop from the previous year and its lowest release since 2014. Château Angélus and Cheval Blanc similarly slashed prices by around 30%.

Crucially, quality remains high. Jane Anson awarded Château L’Eglise Clinet a score of 97 points, while Château Margaux and Château Ausone each received 96 points. Antonio Galloni of Vinous rated Cos d’Estournel, La Conseillante, and Rauzan-Ségla between 95–98 points. These are top-tier scores that speak to the character and potential of the best 2024 wines.

This combination—reduced pricing and high critic scores—presents one of the most attractive entry points to the First Growths and leading Right Bank estates in years.

Challenges for Australian Buyers

For Australian collectors, the story is more complex. While ex-cellar prices have dropped, the strength of the euro against the Australian dollar has offset much of this, meaning that many 2024 wines are still relatively expensive in AUD terms. In fact, some older, higher-rated vintages (such as 2015, 2016, or 2019) are available in the market today at similar or lower prices than the 2024 wines.

This makes due diligence more important than ever. Buyers should compare release prices with back-vintage availability, factoring in scores, drinking windows, and cellaring potential.

Final Thoughts: Is 2024 Worth Buying?

If you’re building a long-term collection and looking to acquire allocations of Bordeaux’s most prestigious wines, the 2024 vintage offers a rare pricing reset not seen since 2014. The wines show elegance, balance, and terroir transparency, with plenty of highlights among the top producers.

That said, this is not a speculative vintage. Buyers should be strategic—focus on consistent estates, compare back vintages, and work with trusted merchants who can advise on value.

For collectors prepared to navigate the currency dynamics and sift through the market noise, the 2024 Bordeaux en primeur campaign presents a window of opportunity—particularly for those who value finesse over flashness. A vintage to stock up on the Grand Cru’s that have become out of reach over the past decade.