A History of Bordeaux En Primeur: The Legacy of Futures
Written by - Cult Wines Team
Bordeaux En Primeur is more than a method of buying wine early. It’s a living tradition that has shaped the fine wine market for centuries. As the first 2024 releases emerge, this deep dive traces the campaign’s remarkable evolution from medieval merchant networks and noble marriages to the critic-driven, globally watched system it is today. En Primeur has helped define Bordeaux’s identity, balancing early access with long-term prestige.
But as the fine wine world modernises, En Primeur faces growing scrutiny, from pricing fairness and wine critic influence to the role of technology and shifting buyer habits. This feature explores the legacy, controversies, and cultural significance of wine futures, asking what it will take for this historic campaign to remain relevant in the changing market.
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News in brief
Vosne-Romanée Quietly Expands Amid Premier Cru Reclassifications
In a discreet move, Burgundy’s esteemed Vosne-Romanée appellation has expanded its boundaries, incorporating 30 additional vineyard parcels totalling three hectares. Approved by France’s INAO in September 2024 and enacted this year, the changes were not publicly announced, surfacing only through industry insiders. Notably, an unnamed Domaine has petitioned for five of these parcels, adjacent to existing Premier Cru sites, to be elevated to Premier Cru status. The INAO has characterised these adjustments as “minor,” declining to release further details. This expansion reflects ongoing shifts in Burgundy’s viticultural landscape, where producers navigate evolving classifications and market dynamics.
Russian Hackers Target European Diplomats with Fake Wine Tasting Events
Russian state-sponsored hackers linked to the SVR intelligence agency have been orchestrating sophisticated phishing campaigns targeting European diplomats. Disguised as invitations to exclusive wine-tasting events, these emails aim to install malware and harvest sensitive information. This tactic is part of a broader trend, with similar operations involving fake dinner parties and luxury car advertisements to infiltrate political and diplomatic networks across Europe. Cybersecurity experts warn that such campaigns are designed for long-term espionage, reflecting Moscow’s persistent efforts to compromise Western institutions.
Climate Change is Redrawing the World’s Wine Map
Rising temperatures are forcing winemakers to adapt, with traditional regions like Bordeaux and Tuscany trialling heat-resistant grape varieties and adjusting harvest times. Meanwhile, cooler climates such as southern England, Denmark and parts of Belgium are emerging as new wine frontiers. These shifts are challenging long-held ideas about terroir and appellation boundaries, prompting both innovation and debate. As extreme weather events increase, the global wine industry faces a critical balancing act between preserving heritage and securing its future.
What we’re drinking
Château Tanunda 150-Year-Old Vines Grenache 2019
Connor Adams, Relationship Manager - Cult Wines
A recent trip back to Australia gave me the perfect excuse to visit Château Tanunda’s Sydney Cellar Door. It’s a welcoming space, and with such knowledgeable hosts, it didn’t take long before we were deep into a glass of something truly special. While the estate has been around since 1890, the 150-year-old Vines Grenache showcases vines planted all the way back in the 1850s, some of the oldest productive Grenache vines on the planet.
The wine is a field blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Malbec from a single vineyard in Eden Valley, and it’s packed with energy and character. Aromatically, it opens with floral and spicy complexity, layered with notes of wild forest fruits, pepper and a subtle hint of ginger snap. The tannins have a gorgeous texture on the palate, and the flavours lean into dark berries, fennel, and Mediterranean herbs, with a mineral edge reflecting the site’s rocky soils.
This is serious Barossa Grenache with pedigree and poise and a timely reminder of how compelling Australian wine can be beyond Shiraz.
Our fine wine feature
The Evolution of the 1982 Lafite
Written by - Jonathan Kee, Client Account Manager - Cult Wines
What does greatness look like, not at release but four decades later?
With the 2024 En Primeur campaign underway, now is the perfect time to revisit one of Bordeaux’s most iconic vintages. This feature traces the remarkable evolution of the 1982 Lafite Rothschild, a wine that quietly stunned critics, rose steadily in acclaim, and today stands as a benchmark for long-term investment and cellaring.
From Parker’s shifting scores to recent notes from William Kelley and Neal Martin, the article charts how this legendary wine continues to unfold. Along the way, it draws thoughtful parallels to the 2024 vintage, highlighting how precision, not just pedigree, defines a wine’s legacy. Whether you’re a collector or investor, this is a timely reflection on what makes Bordeaux truly great.
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Explore & travel
Sipping Through Time: A Wine Traveller’s Journey in Portugal
Written by - Jessie Wu, Client Account Manager - Cult Wines
Portugal’s Douro Valley is where ancient winemaking traditions meet breathtaking landscapes and a quiet sense of magic. From the native grapes that define the country’s diverse styles to the British influence that helped shape Port’s global legacy, this journey explores the rich layers behind one of the world’s most characterful wine regions.
At Graham’s Port Lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia, time-honoured techniques and modern innovation coexist in perfect harmony.
Beyond the cellars, the road winds through terraced vineyards, family-run estates, and sweeping views that invite you to slow down, sip deeply, and savour the true spirit of Portuguese wine.
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