Setting the Scene: Bordeaux’s Investment Woes

I’m by no means an investment guru, but after plenty of deep research (with a little help from AI), here’s my take on Bordeaux 2022—where it stands in today’s market and whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash. That said, do your own research first and, if you’re serious about investing, speak to a qualified wine investment advisor before making any decisions.

Let’s be honest—Bordeaux’s investment scene has been a bit like an over-oaked supermarket Merlot lately: underwhelming. The fine wine market took a hit in 2023-2024, with Bordeaux suffering the most. Prices for some big-name bottles have dropped, demand from key markets (hello, China) has dried up, and investors have been flirting with New World alternatives from California and Australia. The region’s once rock-solid en primeur system has also been under scrutiny, with buyers growing wary of inflated prices and underwhelming returns.

So, is Bordeaux finished as a wine investment darling? Not quite. Yes, recent performance has been bumpy, but fine wine markets are cyclical, and Bordeaux still holds immense cultural and historical prestige. More importantly, Bordeaux’s 2022 vintage might just be the thing to reignite interest—if buyers play their cards right.

Vintage Conditions & Quality: A Year of Extremes with a Happy Ending

If Bordeaux 2022 were a movie, it’d be a survival thriller. Heatwaves, drought, vines shutting down, a few vineyards getting hammered by hail—it had all the drama. But thanks to improved vineyard management and some well-timed rain, the grapes that made it through were exceptional. Yields were down about 15% below the 10-year average, meaning there’s less wine to go around, which could help support future prices.

The reds are deeply coloured, powerfully structured, and high in alcohol—yet not overripe, a common pitfall in hot years. Even Merlot, which normally melts in extreme heat, thrived, producing standout wines on both banks. Early tastings suggest 2022 is shaping up to be a modern classic, drawing comparisons to 2016 and 2010—two of the most celebrated vintages of the century.

Investment Outlook: Smart Buyers Only

Bordeaux as an investment isn’t the no-brainer it once was. The days of blindly buying en primeur and flipping for a quick profit are long gone. Instead, 2022 offers a more strategic play—focused on scarcity, long-term quality, and selecting the right estates.

The pricing strategy from châteaux will be critical. Overpriced releases in weak vintages have left investors wary, so buyers will need to be selective. First Growths (Lafite, Margaux, Mouton, etc.) remain the blue-chip options, but savvy investors should also look at “super seconds” (Cos d’Estournel, Montrose, Léoville Las Cases) and Right Bank stars like Pétrus and Cheval Blanc. These estates consistently deliver high scores and long-term growth potential.

Additionally, overlooked names like Château Haut-Bailly and Pichon Comtesse have outperformed expectations, earning huge scores but without the inflated price tags—yet. These could offer some of the best value plays of the vintage.

Final Verdict: A Vintage for Collectors, Not Speculators

Bordeaux’s investment landscape has changed, and 2022 is not a get-rich-quick vintage. But for those who buy wisely—focusing on limited, top-tier wines—it could be a long-term winner. The key is patience and selecting wines with genuine ageing potential.

For drinkers, 2022 offers a lot to be excited about. The wines are structured, rich, and built to age—so whether you’re in it for the love of Bordeaux or the love of a good investment, this is a vintage worth having in your cellar. Just don’t expect overnight returns—Bordeaux, like its best wines, needs time.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always conduct independent research and consult a qualified wine investment advisor before making investment decisions.