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
- 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.