As we reach the halfway point of 2025, global demand for fine wine continues to evolve, with connoisseurs, collectors, and investors all keeping a close eye on the market's most coveted bottles. We've compiled a ranking of the "most wanted" wines based on global search volume, offering an unfiltered look at which labels are commanding attention worldwide. The latest list not only reinforces certain long-standing legends but also hints at broader shifts in buyer behaviour and investment potential.
Let’s take a closer look at this year’s findings, and what they signal to investors navigating the complex but rewarding world of fine wine.
1. DRC Romanee-Conti: Still Untouchable
There’s a reason Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) consistently tops every collector’s list. Sitting once again at the pinnacle of the rankings, Romanee-Conti continues to define scarcity, prestige, and near-mythical quality. Prices hover around £20,000+ per bottle, and for good reason: limited production, consistent critic acclaim, and its status as the ultimate trophy wine. For investors, it’s the blue-chip Burgundy.
Investment Insight: DRC remains an ultra-secure asset in any portfolio. Price movements may be gradual, but long-term gains are stable. Fractional ownership trends are also making this titan more accessible.
2. Chateau Mouton Rothschild: A Bordeaux Benchmark
Bordeaux is well-represented on the list, with Mouton Rothschild leading the charge. Despite a broader cooling in the Bordeaux secondary market, top First Growths like Mouton continue to attract interest, especially with the recent En Primeur 2024 campaign seeing prices slashed by 25-30%.
Investment Insight: Mouton offers an excellent entry point this year. If you’re looking for both historical pedigree and pricing advantage, now is the moment to act.
3. Sassicaia: Italy’s Global Powerhouse
From Tuscany, Sassicaia maintains its stronghold as the world’s most sought-after Super Tuscan. Its balance of elegance and power, and its consistent critical acclaim (especially in vintages like 2016 and 2020), have cemented its place among the elite.
Investment Insight: Sassicaia provides excellent liquidity in the secondary market. With Italian wines seeing increased collector interest in Asia, this is a smart diversification play.
4. Penfolds Grange: The Southern Hemisphere Icon
Australia’s finest continues to defy expectations. Penfolds Grange is the highest-ranking New World wine on the list, and its reputation for age-worthy Shiraz with a robust following has made it a reliable performer.
Investment Insight: A well-priced case of Grange can often outperform more expensive Old World alternatives in percentage returns. Consider back vintages with strong critic scores.
5. Chateau Lafite Rothschild: Perennial Prestige
Lafite is synonymous with status. Its enduring appeal in Asia and continued global recognition keeps it firmly in the upper echelons of rankings.
Investment Insight: For clients seeking prestige with strong brand equity, Lafite is an anchor label. Watch for discounted 2024 En Primeur offers as they may not last long.
The Rise of Napa and Champagne
Interestingly, Screaming Eagle and Dom Pérignon also feature prominently. Napa’s cult wines are once again in vogue, particularly with limited supply and increasing domestic US demand. Meanwhile, prestige cuvées from Champagne, like Dom Pérignon and Krug, continue to benefit from global celebration culture and tourism-fuelled consumption.
Investment Insight: Champagne remains a surprisingly resilient investment. Liv-ex’s Champagne 50 Index has shown strong performance over the past 5 years. As for Napa, the key is careful vintage selection and allocation strategy.
What This Means for Investors in 2025
This year’s list reinforces a few critical truths:
- Brand equity matters more than ever. Established names continue to dominate.
- Diversification across regions (Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tuscany, Champagne, Napa) is key to portfolio resilience.
- Price corrections (like in Bordeaux) are not signals of weakness, but of opportunity.
For investors, the goal is clear: identify value while demand is stable, and acquire wisely while prices remain favourable. At Moncharm, we continue to help our clients build portfolios tailored to their ambitions, using market insights like these to shape strategy and timing.
Want to learn more about how to build a portfolio around this year’s top wines?
Download our latest Fine Wine Investment Guide or get in touch with the team at Moncharm for a personalised consultation. As always, your next successful investment could start with a cork.
