One of the region’s peculiarities is the number of wines a single domain can produce and the addition of négociant labels only adds to this pool. In some cases it is these wines where recent price increases have been greatest.
This has already been discussed in relation to Domaine Leroy, but it is also true of this year’s second most powerful label, Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux.
The estate has been one of the region’s rising stars for a few years now, but demand exploded in 2021-2022. Its average price performance was 487,2% but certain wines rose more than 1.000%. Some of the biggest price rises were for the négociant label Charles Lachaux, which (like Leroy) offered an accessible point of entry to a rising wine brand and have since hit new highs.
Conversely, trade for both Arnoux-Lachaux and Charles Lachaux has declined as 2022 has gone on, especially for the latter. It is possible that it is a brand that has already grown too hot for some to countenance buying.
This once again raises the question of Burgundy’s price sustainability. Speculation is undoubtedly an issue but ultimately, there is still not enough supply if demand continues to rise.
Furthermore, the upcoming 2021 vintage release will yield hardly any fresh stocks. This will likely keep prices high, but some prices may not rise at quite the same speed.
© Photo: Uwe Kauss