Cos d’Estournel is the first major 2013 release this week. Its ex-negociant price of €81.5 per bottle is an 8% discount on the release price of the €89 2012 and a 25% mark-up on the €65 2008. With the UK release price at £900 per 12×75, the 2013 is more expensive than the current price of the 2012, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004, 2002 and 2001. As well as having several years in bottle, many of these wines have higher scores (the 2013 has been rated 90-91 by James Suckling and 90-92 by Antonio Galloni).
So, should the collector buy? Returns from previous vintages provide little comfort. The chart below is stark: those who bought Cos d’Estournel at En Primeur during the last five years have lost money. Little incentive, then, to get involved this year.
