Demand for top Bordeaux faded rapidly last week as merchants withdrew to the fireside for an extended Christmas break. Although there were flickers of positive movement, losses were predominant and the Liv-ex Claret Chip Index fell 0.20 per cent for the week to 339.64.
Since the start of the year the First Growth benchmark has fallen around 18 per cent, with vintages of Lafite experiencing the sharpest price drops. But which individual wines have been 2011's best and worst performers?
As you can see from the table below (which shows the top risers and fallers), only three of the index's component wines have maintained positive growth this year. By contrast, 24 wines have dropped in value by more than ten per cent.
All prices are for 12x75cl cases stored in bond.
Haut Brion 2006 is among those that have posted small gains. The wine was awarded 18.5 points from Jancis Robinson in 2010 and was named one of her top labels of the vintage. Last week we suggested that any First Growths that cost between £250 and £300 are arguably back in the "buy zone" for UK-based fine wine enthusiasts. At £260 per bottle, it would seem that Haut Brion 2006 is a compelling option for those on the lookout for post-Christmas bargains.
