Chateau LaFite Rothschild

[tony magoulas]

I recently went through my wine collection and discovered I own three bottles of Chateau LaFite Rothschild '72, a gift from family years ago.
Was this a particularly good year? Do they have any great value? How do I get an accurate assessment of their value and make them available for sale, if warranted?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Tony Magoulas

[Jeff Leve]

Hi Tony


72 is a very bad year for all Bordeaux wines. But if any wine from 1972 has value, it's Lafite. However, the condition of the wine and the label is important. Bottles in good condition could bring $300-$500 per bottle. You can try to consign them to an online auction house like Acker Merral. Send an Email to them at [email protected] .

I hope this helps.

[tony magoulas]

Thank you for your response. The bottles and labels are in pristine condition and they were kept properly in a wine rack. I will contact the auction house you suggested. Your advice is greatly appreciated.

[David Pian]

Oh boy, I'm such a sucker for Lafite! Even if it's a bottle of vinegar inside, which the '72 is creeping very close to (sorry Jeff I am just a little more extreme than you, I'd still keep at least a bottle on hand just to appreciate the bottle art, especially its in such prestine condition, which is extremely difficult to come by.

[tony magoulas]

It's strange, I have an auction house in London telling me that bottles like mine in good condition can bring as much as $780 a bottle. They take on large collections and are not interested in my wines. They did recommend a website called the winecommune.com. They will either put small lots like mine up for auction or physically take possession of the bottles and offer them for sale at the best price they can find. Any feedback?
Tony Magoulas

[David Pian]

Hi Tony, yes, auction houses normally have volumn requirement, meaning you have to meet their minimum dollar value. Try winebid.com. They normally have a $2,000 minimum value, but they make exceptions sometimes for some rare-bottles. Their current start-bid for your Lafite is $405, and since you have 3 bottles and in good condition, I'd give them a try. I think you might be good to go, but if not, let me know, I will refer you to my acquaintance at a few places, and they should be able to help you out. Well, good luck, and let me know, be more than glad to help!