How to Buy Bordeaux En Primeur: A Step-by-Step Guide
Each spring, a narrow window opens in Bordeaux. The chateaux release their latest vintage for sale while the wines are still ageing in barrel. For buyers who move decisively, this is the moment to secure wines that may not be available again at the same price.
For the most sought-after estates, en primeur is often the only realistic point of entry. Wines from leading names in Pauillac wines and across the region are released in limited quantities, and demand builds quickly.
If you are new to the process, start here:
Step 1: Understand the calendar
En primeur follows a consistent annual rhythm across Bordeaux wines. Understanding it is essential before you commit.
- September to October, harvest
- November to March, wines age in barrel
- April, trade tastings take place
- May to June, chateaux release prices in tranches
- 18 to 24 months later, wines are bottled and delivered
The key moment for buyers is the release period. This is when pricing is set and allocations are offered.
The current campaign is live now:
Bordeaux 2025 en primeur campaign
Step 2: Assess the vintage
Not every vintage is worth buying en primeur. The system works best when quality is high, pricing is sensible and demand is likely to follow.
The vintages that have historically rewarded buyers are those where wines show both structure and balance, and where release prices leave room for long-term value. Recent examples include 2009, 2010, 2016, 2019 and 2022.
Before committing, it is worth reading a full vintage report to understand how the year has performed across different appellations.
Once you have a clear view of the vintage, you can explore current releases here:
These reports provide a clear picture of quality, style and relative value across appellations.
Step 3: Choose your appellations
Bordeaux is not a single region, but a collection of distinct appellations, each with its own style, pricing level and ageing profile.
Pauillac wines
Structured and long-lived, home to some of the most sought-after estates in Bordeaux.
Saint-Julien wines
Consistent and balanced, often offering some of the most reliable buying opportunities.
Margaux wines
Known for their perfume and elegance, particularly strong in the right vintage.
Pomerol wines
Small and scarce, with limited availability and strong demand.
Saint-Emilion Grand Cru wines
A diverse appellation offering both value and prestige.
Pessac-Leognan wines
Combining structure with complexity, often representing strong value.
For a broader overview of the region, see:
Step 4: Identify the chateaux
Once you have chosen your preferred appellations, the next step is to identify the estates you want to prioritise.
On the Left Bank, the 1855 classification remains a useful guide to the hierarchy of estates and pricing. It is not definitive, but it provides a strong starting point.
Critic scores also play an important role during the en primeur campaign. High scores from leading critics can drive demand and influence pricing once wines are released.
At the same time, many of the most compelling opportunities sit just below the very top tier. These are often where value can be found.
Estates such as Chateau Lafite Rothschild often set the tone for pricing across the market, but strong buying decisions are not limited to the most famous names.
Step 5: Place your order
Once you have identified the wines you want, the process is straightforward.
You can browse releases directly or contact us to secure an allocation. We source through the Bordeaux Place system, allowing access across all major appellations.
When your order is confirmed, you will receive:
- The chateau, vintage, format and quantity
- The price per bottle or case
- The estimated delivery window
- Payment details
Step 6: Payment
En primeur is paid in full at the time of purchase. This is standard across the Bordeaux market.
The price you secure at release is the price you pay, regardless of how the market moves over the following two years.
Prices are quoted in euros, typically per case, and exclude VAT and delivery.
For a full breakdown of costs, see:
The full cost of buying en primeur: VAT, duty and storage
Step 7: Storage and delivery
After purchase, the wines remain in Bordeaux while they complete their ageing.
They are held in bonded storage until bottling, usually 18 to 24 months after the campaign begins.
At that point, you have two options:
Delivery
Wines can be shipped to your address, with transport arranged from Bordeaux.
Storage
Wines can remain in bonded storage, allowing continued cellaring or future resale without triggering duties.
For a broader overview of the process, see:
En Primeur for beginners
Complete en primeur guide
Ready to buy?
The current campaign is now open. As releases come through, we publish recommendations, highlight value opportunities and make allocations available.
Explore the latest releases here: