A good bottle of wine is the ultimate investment. It can transform any dinner party or be added to your ever-growing collection for a special occasion.
Whatever the reason for your indulgent purchase, one fact remains the same. Expensive bottles of vino provide royal wine tasting experiences and have the potential to continue increasing in value for as long as they remain unopened.
While collectable wines provide a unique experience for wine lovers, the value of some of these bottles also attracts the attention of investors looking to make a good return. We’ve seen wines maintain their value, even during an economic crisis, which makes them the ideal commodity for long term investments. As long as they are stored correctly of course.
If you’re interested in all things wine, keep reading. We’ve rounded up the most expensive wines money can buy!
15 Of The World’s Most Expensive Wines
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Screaming Eagle Sauvignon Blanc
Price: $5,850
Hailing from in Oakville in the United States, this wine is only produced in limited quantities and is sold exclusively to private buyers.
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1949 Domaine Leroy Richebourg Grand Cru
Price: $5,921
This vintage wine has a post-war appeal, which drives its price and provides historical value. Only 700 bottles are produced annually, making it incredibly exclusive.
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Domaine Leroy Chambertin Grand Cru 1990
Price: $7,447
This bottle of wine features the rich scent of deep plum, cherries, and spices. The grapes are exclusively harvested from the Chambertin Grand Cru vineyards and add to the overall appeal.
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Domaine Georges & Christophe Roumier Musigny Grand Cru 1990
Price: $11,720
Le Musigny only produces 380 bottles of this vintage Pinot Noir a year, making it incredibly sought-after. Hot temperatures have given these grapes more flavour concentration, thicker skins and tannin, and this adds to its unique taste profile.
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Scharzhofberger Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese
Price: $13,615
A German wine with an intense taste similar to lime syrup with floral notes, this Riesling is produced in small batches at a time. The limited quantities available send its price skyrocketing, and the fact that it’s from a region not that well known for its wine adds to its appeal.
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Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Grand Cru 1990
Price: $21,200
Experts have labelled this one a worthwhile investment as a result of a well-balanced harvest of rich, healthy grapes in 1990. Grand Cru has an excellent reputation for fine wines, and this is a particularly good vintage.
Penfolds Grange Hermitage 1951
- Price: $38,000This Australian wine is one of the rarest in the world with only 20 bottles known to exist – which is not so subtly indicated by the price. It’s one of Australia’s finest wines and can be described as Shiraz with Cabernet Sauvignon undertones.
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Chateau D’YQUEM
Price: $117,000
Chateau D’YQUEM was harvested in 1811 during a really good season and has been regarded as one of the best white wines ever made. It has also been awarded a Guinness World Record for the most expensive bottle of white wine ever sold. That makes every sip priceless!
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Romanee Conti 1945
Price: $123,900
This wine’s exclusivity has been enhanced by the fact that the legendary Romanee Conti vines had been destroyed by Phylloxera in 1946. Only 600 bottles were made before production could resume in 1952.
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Henri Jayer, Vosne-Romanée Cros Parantoux 1999
Price: $136,955
The hefty price tag is actually not for one bottle, but for an entire case making it quite the bargain for any wine collector.
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Chateau Lafite 1787
Price: $156,450
Rumour has it that this bottle of wine used to belong to Thomas Jefferson. He was known to be quite the wine connoisseur and the bottle even has a TJ engraved in it, further fuelling the rumour, and inflating the price.
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Chateau Margaux 1787
Price: $225,000
When it comes to wine bottles with a story, this one wins! It was initially valued at $500,000 but due to an unfortunate incident at the Four Season’s Hotel, it met a tragic demise. A waiter dropped the bottle and insurers only paid out $225,000 following the breakage. This wine is also said to have been a part of Thomas Jefferson’s collection.
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Chateau Lafite 1869
Price: $230,000
This bottle of wine caused quite a commotion at auction. Auctioneers only expected to sell it for $8000, but an anonymous bidder paid a whopping $230,000. This bottle is considered extremely rare, and buyers are willing to spend a chunk of change on it whenever it becomes available.
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Shipwrecked 1907 Heidsieck
Price: $275,000
Another wine with a great story behind it, Shipwrecked lives up to its name. In 1916 a ship carrying the wine was torpedoed by a German submarine in World War I, inevitably sank and was stuck at the bottom of the ocean for over 80 years. The wreck was discovered in 1997 and 2000 bottles were brought to the surface. It probably isn’t the greatest tasting wine, but it’s quite the conversation starter.
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Screaming Eagle Cabernet 1992
Price: $500,000
And here we have the most expensive wine in the world that’s topped many wine lists when it comes to its pricing. The wine has been aged in 60% new oak and features an aroma of black current and hints of oak.
Not Just A Luxurious Treat
Wine has been enjoyed by many for as long as it’s been in existence and we’re sure to keep enjoying it for years to come.
For those of you looking to take your favourite pastime up a notch, collecting one-of-a-kind bottles with unique stories and intense aromas may be just the thing. If you’re not that keen on splashing out on expensive wines to take home, you can always indulge in wine tastings and learn more about the fruit of the vie without breaking the bank!