Zachys Is Auctioning Off 21 Barrels of Top-Tier Bordeaux Wines

Zachys Wine Auctions, one of the premier wine auction houses, recently announced an industry-first auction of full barrels of top Bordeaux wines, all from the 2024 Bordeaux vintage (each lot also includes exclusive, not-available-to-the-public experiences at the châteaux themselves). The auction will run online from July 7 through a live-streamed close on July 17 at 10:00 a.m. ET.

Individual chateaux have auctioned barrels before — for example, a few years ago, Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou participated in an auction of rare bottles from its cellar that included one barrel from the 2022 and one from the 2023 vintage — but those have been in the unicorn-sighting level of infrequency. This is the first substantial auction of barrel lots from a large group of top chateaux.

The auction includes 21 full barrels (300 bottles each) sourced directly from some of Bordeaux’s top Left Bank classified growths, such as Montrose, Calon Ségur, Pichon Baron, and Cos d’Estournel, as well as from superstar Right Bank estates such as Bélair-Monange and Angelus.  

Most lots offer the option to customize bottle sizes and personalize back labels. While the estimates might seem intimidating at first, a little math reveals that the lower estimates can actually be bargains. At the low estimate of $28,000, 300 bottles of Cos d’Estournel cost approximately $93 per bottle, which is less than the current futures price (hovering around $120 for the 2024 vintage) and well below the prices for bottles currently on shelves (usually over $200 each). Three hundred bottles is a lot of wine, to be sure; but then, top Bordeaux are long-lived wines. 

The immersive experiences offered alongside each barrel would be difficult to price, as they are not typically offered to the public. These include VIP barrel tastings, exclusive overnight stays at the châteaux, and private library wine lunches and dinners, allowing winning bidders to connect directly with the winemakers and terroirs.

“Through this exceptional sale organized with our longtime partner Zachy’s, we are offering a Bordeaux enthusiast or collector far more than just a lot of wine,” says Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal, CEO & Owner of Château Angelus. “It is an opportunity for a privileged immersion into the world of Angelus, the chance to own a piece of its history in an exclusive and personalized format, and to forge a direct and personal connection with our Château.”

“This auction is truly unprecedented. Not only can you buy a full barrel from some of Bordeaux’s top châteaux, but you can also watch it mature in the château’s cellar, and bottle it in whatever format you choose: magnums for your tasting group, and a Melchior or two for a party,” says Charles Antin, Zachys’ global head of wine auctions. “The back labels can be customized for your friends or your business, and the châteaux have been amazingly generous in opening their doors for VIP dinners and experiences for the winning bidders.”

The 2024s are currently aging in barrel at their respective estates, with bottling and fulfillment scheduled for spring 2027. Pre-auction estimates range from $9,000 (Chateau Branaire-Ducru) to $60,000 per barrel (Chateau Angelus). Zachys will provide winning bidders with dedicated expert support to coordinate bottling, label personalization, and all related services.