期酒騙局爆煲？2024 波爾多酒價大屠殺！Lafite 低見 HK$2XXX (粵語中字)【酒瓶故事】

Summary

In this video, Gary discusses the significant price drop in Bordeaux 2024 futures, with Lafite 2024 dropping 30% compared to the previous year. He explores various factors, including poor weather conditions like rain and mildew, which affected the harvest. The wine's lower alcohol content and traditional, delicate style set it apart from recent years. Gary highlights broader market pressures, consumer behavior shifts, and the decline in appeal of the futures system. While the 2024 vintage may offer an opportunity for some, it is advised to approach with caution unless familiar with specific wineries.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 2024 Bordeaux en primeur wines have seen a significant price drop, with Lafite dropping by 30% compared to 2023 prices, marking the lowest in 10 years.
• 😀 The 2024 vintage faced challenging weather conditions, including excessive rain, mildew outbreaks, and uneven maturation, leading to lower alcohol content in many wines.
• 😀 Bordeaux wines in 2024 may have a more traditional, delicate style, as opposed to the bold and rich profiles typically associated with the region.
• 😀 En primeur sales, where wines are pre-purchased before bottling, have lost their appeal due to market changes, consumer caution, and price uncertainty.
• 😀 The Bordeaux wine market is under pressure due to excess inventory from previous vintages like 2019 and 2021, causing prices to fall.
• 😀 Consumer preferences are shifting, with more people drinking less alcohol, particularly in markets like the US, and turning to New World wines.
• 😀 The economic pressures from high living costs have made consumers more careful when purchasing wines, looking for better value and reduced risk.
• 😀 The global demand for Bordeaux wines is being impacted by the growing competition from New World wines, reducing the exclusivity of Bordeaux.
• 😀 Wine merchants and producers are under pressure due to trade uncertainty, especially with potential tariffs from the US, a major market for Bordeaux wines.
• 😀 The 'en primeur' system, which was once viewed as a way to secure wines at a lower price, is now less attractive as market prices often fall after release.
• 😀 For those who appreciate traditional, high-acid Bordeaux wines, the 2024 vintage offers a potential opportunity, but it's best to approach it with caution and patience for aging.

Q & A

What is the major news in the Bordeaux futures market for 2024?

The major news is the significant price drop of Bordeaux 2024 futures. A bottle of 2024 Lafite is priced 30% lower than the 2023 vintage, marking the lowest price in ten years.

Why did the price of Bordeaux 2024 futures drop so significantly?

The price drop is primarily due to the poor weather conditions in 2024, which affected the grape harvest and quality. The vintage faced issues such as excessive rain, mildew, and low sugar accumulation, leading to lower alcohol content.

What were the key weather challenges faced by Bordeaux in 2024?

Bordeaux experienced excessive rain and humidity in May, leading to a mildew outbreak. Later, the growing season saw low sunshine in the summer and rain during harvest, particularly impacting Merlot, while Cabernet Sauvignon on the Left Bank fared better.

How does the 2024 vintage differ in style from recent Bordeaux wines?

The 2024 vintage is expected to have a more traditional and delicate style, with lower alcohol content and less ripe fruit flavors, in contrast to the fuller and more robust styles of recent years.

Why has the Bordeaux futures market been under pressure in recent years?

Bordeaux futures have faced pressure due to factors like oversupply of unsold older vintages (e.g., 2019, 2021), changes in consumer preferences, and increasing competition from New World wines.

What role do changing consumer habits play in the Bordeaux market?

Consumers are drinking less wine for health reasons and being more cautious with their spending due to economic pressures. This has led to more selective purchasing behavior, with many opting for wines at lower prices or from alternative regions.

How has the Bordeaux wine market been affected by tariffs, especially in the U.S.?

The potential implementation of high tariffs on Bordeaux wines by the U.S. under Trump’s administration has caused uncertainty in the market. It has made wine merchants more cautious, fearing the loss of sales if tariffs are imposed.

Why is the Bordeaux futures system less appealing today compared to the past?

The Bordeaux futures system has become less attractive as prices have not always risen as expected. For example, wines purchased as futures are sometimes cheaper on the retail market after a few years, which discourages consumers from buying futures.

What does the decrease in Bordeaux wine prices indicate about market confidence?

The decrease in Bordeaux wine prices reflects a loss of consumer confidence, partly due to years of overhyping and inflated expectations, making it harder for buyers to trust the value of Bordeaux wines.

Should consumers buy Bordeaux 2024 futures despite the price drop?

The 2024 Bordeaux futures are not highly recommended for general purchase, as the vintage has some challenges and risks. However, it might be a good opportunity for those who appreciate the traditional Bordeaux style and are familiar with specific wineries.