En Primeur
Some investors swear by buying en primeur (also known as Wine Futures) - that is when the wine is still in the cask. The wine has just been put on the market and in theory offers the greatest potential for return. If you buy what turns out to be a classic vintage, the rewards can be stunning.
The en primeur stage is straight after the harvest when the wine is still in the barrel. This season lasts from April to the end of June. If you buy at this time you get the opening price for the wine, which is typically lower than the price when it has been bottled and released to the market.
The below table represents the 2005 Vintage - 'London' release prices (during the En-Primuer campaign) in 2006 until June 2008 when the wine became Physical.
| CHATEAU | 2006 PRICE | 2008 PRICE | PERCENTAGE GAIN |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAUT BRION | £2,900.00 | £8,250.00 | 184% |
| CARRUADES DE LAFITE | £360.00 | £1,310.00 | 264% |
| LYNCH BAGES | £470.00 | £895.00 | 90% |
