These are the five most expensive wines ever sold

In the world of exclusive wines, it is not only about taste, but also about rarity, history and reputation.

In the world of exclusive wines, it is not just about taste, but also about rarity, history, and reputation. At auctions, some bottles fetch prices that are more reminiscent of works of art than a drink. From centuries-old Sauternes to legendary Burgundy: MASTERS lists the five most expensive wines ever sold.

5. Henri Jayer Vosne-Romanée Cros Parantoux 1978 — $144.893

The Burgundian winemaker Henri Jayer is regarded by connoisseurs as one of the greatest Pinot Noir producers ever. When his personal wine cellar was auctioned in 2018, a real battle erupted among collectors.

• Sold for: $144.893 (magnum, 1,5 liters)
• Auction: 2018
• Origin: Burgundy, France
• Age at sale: approximately 40 years

4. Château d'Yquem 1847 — $71.675

The dessert wines of Château d'Yquem from the Sauternes region are among the most collectible sweet wines in the world.

• Sold for: $71.675
• Auction: Zachys, Beverly Hills (2004)
• Origin: Bordeaux, France
• Age at sale: 157 years

With this sale, it became the most expensive non-red wine ever at the time, and the most expensive wine ever to go under the hammer in the United States.

3. Château d'Yquem 1811 — $120.000

The 1811 vintage is known as the legendary “comet year,” an exceptional wine year. The wine was purchased by sommelier Christian Vannequé. The intention was to open the wine in 2017 at the iconic Parisian restaurant La Tour d'Argent, but sadly, Vannequé passed away before that moment arrived.

• Sold for: $120.000
• Buyer: sommelier
• Origin: Sauternes, Bordeaux
• Age at sale: approximately 200 years

2. Château Lafite Rothschild 1869 — $233.972

An auction of bottles of Château Lafite Rothschild straight from the cellar attracted enormous international interest in 2010. At the time, the bottle set a world record for the highest price per bottle of wine.

• Sold for: $233.972
• Auction: Sotheby's, Hong Kong
• Origin: Bordeaux, France
• Age at sale: 141 years

1. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti 1945 — up to $558.000

At the absolute top stands Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, often simply called DRC, one of the most exclusive wineries in the world. The 1945 vintage was produced just before the vineyard was replanted, keeping the number of bottles extremely limited. This makes this wine the most expensive ever sold at auction.

• Sold for: $558.000 and $496.000
• Auction: Sotheby's (2018)
• Origin: Burgundy, France
• Special feature: only 600 bottles produced