Knowledge — Bordeaux

The 2025 vintage is being hailed by the Union des Grands Crus (UGCB) as "brilliant," but for collectors, it is a year of historic scarcity and radical classification shifts. 2025 Bordeaux En Primeur watchlist focusing on historic yield lows, Château Lafleur's move to Vin de France, and new Médoc Blanc AOC status.

Château Mouton Rothschild continues its celebrated tradition of commissioning original art for its labels, naming Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos as the creator for the 2023 vintage. Titled "Paraíso" (Paradise in Portuguese), the work marks the first time ever a Portuguese artist has illustrated the prestigious Pauillac First Growth label.

Climate change continues to be the dominant long-term factor reshaping the European fine wine landscape, leading to earlier harvests, higher sugar levels, and regional adjustments in vineyard management and varietal choices. Recent data emphasizes the ongoing pressure on classic cool-climate areas and the increasing suitability of previously marginal regions.

The 2024 vintage proves exactly why Futures still matter. With climate pushing Bordeaux’s margins, the differences between terroirs have never been more meaningful.