As the world of fine wine continues to captivate collectors and connoisseurs, The Wine Market Journal has unveiled its list of the top appreciating wines for 2024.

These wines not only reflect the allure of high-quality vintages but also showcase the financial potential of rare and coveted bottles in today’s market.

The annual release from the journal, a trusted resource for wine valuations and auction data, highlights the incredible appreciation of select wines, particularly those from iconic producers and sought-after regions.

David A. Parker, Publisher and Owner of The Wine Market Journal, acknowledged the challenges faced by the alcohol industry in 2024 but emphasized that high-end wines remained a beacon of resilience.

“Wine collecting has continued to thrive as a popular hobby, and for many high-net-worth families, their wine collections now serve as significant investment assets,” he shared. “This year, we saw some incredible appreciation rates, with the top wines outperforming the stock market.”

The Top Appreciating Wines of 2024

The top 11 wines on the list represent a diverse mix of old-world classics and newer vintages. Each wine has outpaced the market by more than twice the rate of the stock market’s 2024 return.

For the first time, The Wine Market Journal has released this list as a way to highlight wines with both significant investment potential and continued appeal to collectors.

Honorable Mention
J.L. Chave Hermitage Blanc 2018

  • Average Auction Hammer in 2023: $161
  • Average Auction Hammer in 2024: $253
  • Average Appreciation: 57%
    This stunning white wine from Chave impressed collectors with its perfect 100-point scores from The Wine Advocate and Jeb Dunnick. The younger wine, at only six years old, continues to gain in value, proving that white wines are becoming increasingly desirable as both collectible and consumable treasures.

Number 10
Vietti Barolo Ravera 2013

  • Average Auction Hammer in 2023: $177
  • Average Auction Hammer in 2024: $295
  • Average Appreciation: 67%
    Scoring a perfect 100 points from Vinous, this Italian gem exemplifies the growing demand for Barolo, with a particular rise in popularity for Italian wines in the United States. The 2013 vintage is poised for further maturation, making it a great option for collectors with a long-term investment mindset.

Number 9
Cos d’Estournel 1978

  • Average Auction Hammer in 2023: $81
  • Average Auction Hammer in 2024: $136
  • Average Appreciation: 69%
    Bordeaux fans are rediscovering the charm of the 1978 vintage, which is now gaining attention for its complex, softer profile. This second-growth Bordeaux was a surprising standout in 2024, highlighting a shift in the collector’s market towards appreciating wines from decades past.

Number 8
Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve 1979

  • Average Auction Hammer in 2023: $1,247
  • Average Auction Hammer in 2024: $2,125
  • Average Appreciation: 71%
    This rare Chateauneuf-du-Pape is often considered one of the best from the region, and its high value is partly driven by its rarity. As a “unicorn” wine that rarely appears at auction, its appreciation was spurred by increased interest in French wines and concerns about potential tariffs.

Number 7
Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon 1974

  • Average Auction Hammer in 2023: $150
  • Average Auction Hammer in 2024: $256
  • Average Appreciation: 71%
    This Napa classic benefits from both the allure of the 1974 vintage and its reputation as a top producer in the region. As the first of three 1974 Napa Cabs on the list, Clos du Val shows the growing appeal of older California wines, which are being embraced by collectors for their complex, mellowed profiles.

Number 6
Beaulieu Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour Private Reserve 1974

  • Average Auction Hammer in 2023: $158
  • Average Auction Hammer in 2024: $277
  • Average Appreciation: 75%
    This highly regarded Napa Valley Cabernet is benefiting from renewed interest in both the 1974 vintage and wines from California’s golden age. With its 50-year anniversary in mind, this wine continues to garner attention from collectors and investors alike.

Number 5
Faiveley Corton Clos des Cortons 1996

  • Average Auction Hammer in 2023: $120
  • Average Auction Hammer in 2024: $222
  • Average Appreciation: 85%
    The Burgundy region, despite experiencing a market correction since 2022, is beginning to rebound. This Grand Cru red Burgundy is a relative bargain for a wine of its stature and age, making it a top pick for collectors looking for high-quality bottles at a reasonable price.

Number 4
Chapoutier Ermitage Le Pavillon 1990

  • Average Auction Hammer in 2023: $287
  • Average Auction Hammer in 2024: $546
  • Average Appreciation: 90%
    With perfect scores from Wine Advocate, this iconic Syrah from the Northern Rhône continues to draw interest from collectors seeking ready-to-drink wines from the region’s top producers. Its significant price increase reflects the growing fascination with Northern Rhône wines.

Number 3
Sterling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa Valley 1974

  • Average Auction Hammer in 2023: $157
  • Average Auction Hammer in 2024: $302
  • Average Appreciation: 92%
    The third of three 1974 Napa Cabs on the list, Sterling Vineyards’ Reserve Cabernet is a rare treasure with significant historical appeal. Its steady increase in value is due to a mix of vintage recognition, anniversary celebrations, and collector demand.

Number 2
Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Cask 1978

  • Average Auction Hammer in 2023: $92
  • Average Auction Hammer in 2024: $183
  • Average Appreciation: 99%
    This highly regarded Napa Cabernet from Inglenook proves that wines from California’s 1970s are making a strong comeback. With its impressive appreciation rate, it stands as one of the top-performing wines in the 70s category.

Number 1
Sandeman Vintage Port 1963

  • Average Auction Hammer in 2023: $88
  • Average Auction Hammer in 2024: $184
  • Average Appreciation: 108%
    The biggest surprise of the year, Sandeman’s 1963 Vintage Port saw an incredible 108% appreciation, making it the top performer in 2024. Long regarded as a sleeper wine, it has now caught the attention of collectors seeking high-quality, age-worthy fortified wines.

Wine Collecting as an Investment

While these wines are enjoying impressive returns, The Wine Market Journal emphasizes that wine collecting is about more than just profit.

“Some wines go up in value. Some go down my throat. They both bring pleasure,” noted one top collector.

The joy of collecting fine wines lies not only in their financial worth but also in their artistry and the experiences they create.

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