These Are the 12 Most Expensive Bottles of Wine Ever Sold
The world has no shortage of wine lovers. From world leaders and socialites to celebrities and politicians, who doesn’t love to unwind with a tall glass of wine? Turns out, there are some pricey bottles out there (and we’re not talking about fake vintage wine). Some of the rarest bottles stemming from limited productions have sold for astronomical amounts. Here are 12 of the most expensive bottles of wine ever sold, including vintages that survived shipwrecks and bottles connected to major historical events.
1. 1945 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grand Cru
Sold for: $558,000
This blended red wine marked the final harvest before the vineyard’s old vines were uprooted; only 600 bottles were ever produced. The 1945 vintage was made during the tail end of World War II, and is celebrated for its exceptional quality and historical significance. Its rarity, paired with the prestigious status of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, also contributed to the hefty price tag. The bottle was sold during a Sotheby’s auction in New York in 2018.
2. 1992 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon
Sold for: $500,000
This Napa Valley wine smashed records at a charity auction in 2000, as collectors scrambled to own a piece of arguably one of the finest wines in the world. Screaming Eagle’s cult status within the wine community, coupled with its use of limited production barrels, make its wines highly sought-after. This 1992 vintage is the winery’s inaugural release; you can also buy one online for a cool $29,500.
3. 1945 Château Mouton-Rothschild
Sold for: $310,700
In 2007, a bottle of this Château Mouton-Rothschild sold at a Christie’s auction in New York. The 1945 vintage is renowned for its quality, mouthfeel, and the “V” label, which was used to symbolize the Allied victory in World War II. The wine is produced by one of the most prestigious estates in Bordeaux, and its historical context and limited availability help elevate its value.
4. 1947 Château Cheval Blanc
Sold for: $304,375
This wine was sold at a Christie’s auction in Geneva in 2010, and was dubbed one of the finest French wines in history thanks to its limited production run and backstory. The wine’s unique taste profile is attributed to “atypical fermentation conditions” during an especially sweltering season. Its rarity and reputation make it a prized possession among collectors. (So quick question, does anyone actually drink these wines? Or do they just sit in a safe since they cost as much as a house?)
5. 1907 Heidsieck & Co. Monopole Diamant Bleu
Sold for: $275,000
In 1998, 200 bottles of this sparkling wine were recovered from a shipwreck — where they had rested on the seabed since 1916 — and were later sold at auction for nearly $300,000 a pop. The bottles were originally destined for the Imperial Court of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. They were considered highly valuable due to their unique historical background and well-kept condition.
6. 1869 Château Lafite-Rothschild
Sold for: $233,973
At a 2010 auction in Hong Kong, three bottles of this wine sold for over $200,000 each — far exceeding their pre-sale estimates. Considered extremely rare, the Château Lafite-Rothschild’s reputation as a “first growth” Bordeaux estate in France also enhanced its desirability among collectors seeking vintage wines.
7. 1787 Château Margaux
Sold for: $225,000
This bottle, which was believed to have been owned by Thomas Jefferson, sold at a Christie’s auction in London in 1985. Its association with early American history and Jefferson himself, whose initials are etched into the glass, make it an exceptionally rare and valuable piece. Though the bottle was accidentally broken in 1989, it was insured for its full value — phew!
8. 2004 Penfolds Block 42 Kalimna Cabernet Sauvignon Ampoule
Sold for: $168,000
This Australian wine, which comes in a hand-blown glass ampoule encased in a bespoke wooden cabinet, just screams wealth and exclusivity. Only 12 were made, and get this: Each bottle was accompanied by an opening ceremony conducted by a senior winemaker. You can’t make this pretentious stuff up.
9. 1787 Château Lafite
Sold for: $156,450
This 18th century bottle of Château Lafite, which is believed to have been a part of Thomas Jefferson’s personal collection, was bought by Christopher Forbes at an auction in 1985. Jefferson’s passion for wine and his role as a U.S. ambassador to France at the time helped give this bottle a profound historical background. Its reputation and connection to one of America’s Founding Fathers make it a one-of-a-kind collector’s item.
10. 2000 Château Mouton-Rothschild Nebuchadnezzar
Sold for: $140,299
This massive 15-liter bottle of Château Mouton-Rothschild sold at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong in 2010. It was one of the auction’s standouts, and was lauded for its size, rarity, and the fact that it came from one of Bordeaux’s most iconic wineries. The brand features a special gold-enamel label and is revered for its artistry and exceptional quality.
11. 1811 Château d’Yquem
Sold for: $117,000
In 2011, a bottle of this 19th century vintage sold at a London auction for $117,000, setting a record for the most expensive bottle of white wine ever sold. Known as one of the greatest vintages of Château d’Yquem, this wine is celebrated for its longevity and sweet, balanced taste profile. The brand is also commonly referred to as a “comet vintage,” which is highly sought after by wine collectors who value age and quality.
12. 1941 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon
Sold for: $24,675
This 1941 vintage is another wine that was produced during WWII, and was sold during a Christie’s auction in New York in 2004. The bottle is considered culturally and historically significant due to limited production runs and the numerous challenges associated with the era. Crafted by one of Napa Valley’s top wineries, it represents a piece of early American winemaking.