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Benchmark index up 5.9% in the first half of 2021

  • The benchmark index has enjoyed 13 consecutive months of growth.
  • It is almost back to its 2011 peak.
  • LWIN7s traded so far this year is 35% higher than in H1 2020.

The 2020 En Primeur campaign was the main focus of June. The campaign gathered pace and reached a pinnacle late in the month as release prices soared as high at 90% against the previous year.

Even with yields down and En Primeur historically losing its lustre, multiple châteaux still found a reason to celebrate this year and the market was offered several special releases, ranging from new labels, unique gold and black bottles, and wax capsules.

Tariffs ended

Another reason to celebrate for the trade was the EU and US announcing the end of the 17-year dispute over Airbus-Boeing subsides which wine was dragged into.

The decision made clear that tariff suspension will remain in place for another five years, meaning US buyers returning to the market in March 2021 are now here to stay.

Prices for fine wine increased in June and the Liv-ex Fine Wine 100 rose 0.76%, in its 13th consecutive month of gains, to close at 337.80. The Index is now just -7.4% off its all-time high set in June 2011.

Broadening trade

The California 50 saw a decline this month but wines from the region were some of the top movers in the Liv-ex 100.

Dominus 2015 led US wines, up 6.9% and was followed by Screaming Eagle 2015 (+4.6%).

Italian components also performed well: Ornellaia 2013 (+7.7%), Masseto 2015 (+3.9%), Gaja Sperss 2013 (+2.7%), and Sassicaia 2015 (+2.5%).

The broadening of the secondary market continued in June and the first half of the year closed with 35% more distinct wines (LWIN7) trading than in 2020.