Wine Auction Wire
Weather wreaks havoc with 2013 French vintage

The 2013 vintage in Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and Chablis is under pressure after devastating storms, the coldest spring in a quarter of a century and rot have reduced yields this year. With a lower yield, French producers typically increase prices to compensate.

Prudence and caution will be the watchwords for wine buyers of the 2013 vintage. “While there will be some exceptional wines, overall, the vintage is one to avoid on release,” said Mark Wickman, auctioneer at Wickman’s Fine Wine Auctions. “Auctions tend to soak up the distressed stock from would-be investors and then find their correct price level in the market”.