10 Most Expensive Wines In The World (Slideshow)
10. Georges et Henri Jayer Échezeaux Grand Cru
(Average Price: $3,945 Maximum Price: $14,000)
A legendary producer, Jayer was known for his top-class wines, and for pioneering Burgundian winemaking techniques. Three of the 10 most expensive wines belong to him. His last vintage was 2001. Production was limited. Part of the vineyard plot was owned by Georges Jayer, Henri's brother, which inspired the name of this wine. These wines are known for elegance and balance.
9. Domaine de la Romanée -Conti Montrachet Grand Cru
(Average Price: $4,898 Maximum Price: $11,744)
This exceptional Grand Cru white Burgundy is from arguably the most prestigious wine estate in Burgundy. DRC, which is referred to by some simply as "the domaine," is co-owned by the de Villaine and Leroy/Roch families. DRC has 62 acres of vineyards, all Grand Cru.
8. Domaine Georges & Christophe Roumier Musigny Grand Cru
(Average Price: $5,079 Maximum Price: $11,361)
One of two Grand Cru Vineyards in Chambolle-Musigny in the Côte de Nuits. The limestone of Chambolle lends itself to elegance and delicacy. The domaine was founded in 1924 by Georges Roumier. His grandson, Christophe, is the current winemaker. These wines are known for being fruity when young, with great aging potential.
7. Domaine Leroy Musigny Grand Cru
(Average Price: $5,164 Maximum Price: $16,645)
Under the direction of Lalou Bize-Leroy, Domaine Leroy produces some of the best red Burgundies. All of the farming is biodynamic. Of Bize-Leroy, wine writer Clive Coates wrote, "The sheer concentration, depth and intensity Lalou Bize-Leroy manages to squeeze into her bottles is breathtaking."
6. Joh. Jos. Prüm Riesling Wehlener Sonnenuhr Trockenbeerenauslese
(Average Price: $5,765 Maximum Price: $15,999)
This ripe, rich long-lived wine, made from botrytized Riesling, is produced in only the most perfect conditions, and commands rarified prices to match. J.J Prüm is considered a benchmark for Mosel wines. The estate produces primarily sweet wines, including a highly sought after Eiswein. Very little dry wine is produced, and it is typically not exported.
5. Domaine Leflaive Montrachet Grand Cru
(Average Price: $6,167 Maximum Price: $8,875)
Anne-Claude Leflaive, who has been sole director of the estate since 1994, was a leader in the biodynamic movement, converting the entire domaine to biodnyamic farming in 1997. Overall, Leflaive has about 54 acres of vineyards, with about 12 acres of Grand Cru Vineyards. Their white Burgundies are known for richness and balance.
4. Egon Müller-Scharzhof, Scharzhofberger Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese
(Average Price: $7,639 Maximum Price: $14,657)
Ergon Müller has 19 acres on the prized Scharzhofberg vineyard, about seven of which host rare ungrafted vines from the 19th century. The steep, slate, weathered, and well-draining site offers wine of exceptional note, which fetch massive prices at auction. Jancis Robinson called the 2003 vintage, "the most extraordinarily revitalising lime syrup with headily floral notes which lasted for minute after minute in the mouth."
3. Henri Jayer, Cros-Parantoux, Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru
(Average Price: $7,887 Maximum Price: $20,370)
Cros-Parantoux was made famous by Jayer. The small (2 ½ acre) Premier Cru is regarded more like a Grand Cru in quality. Jayer saw promise in this small site, replanting it in 1953 to great success.
2. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Romanée-Conti Grand Cru
(Average Price: $13,528 Maximum Price: $55,840)
This cru, purchased in 1760 by Prince de Conti, is about 4.4 acres and produces some of the world's most legendary wines. The vineyard, so prized and famous, was the focus of an extortion plot in 2010. The blackmailer threatened to poison the vine roots of Romanée -Conti if they didn't cooperate by surrendering 1 million euros.
1. Henri Jayer Richesbourg Grand Cru
(Average Price: $16,671 Maximum Price: $27,602)
These wines exhibit Jayer's unparalleled winemaking skills, from the legendary Grand Cru site within Vosne-Romanée. 1987 was the last vintage for Jayer's Richesbourg.