12 Most Expensive Old Wines Ever Sold in History | Rare Finds
What makes wine so captivating? For many, it’s not just the taste. But actually, it’s the history, rarity, and the story that each bottle carries.
Some old bottles of wine go beyond being mere beverages. They become symbols of art, craftsmanship, and legacy. These aren’t your everyday wines. They are masterpieces, aged to perfection and sold out for jaw-dropping prices.
Collectors, wine lovers, and experts adore these rare wine bottles. As time passes and other bottles are opened and enjoyed, the few remaining ones become even more special. Their aging and maturation turn them into something truly exceptional—and incredibly expensive.
Whether you’re a wine lover or simply curious about the rarest finds, this blog by The Premium Selection will transport you into the fascinating empire of the most expensive old wines ever sold.
Keep reading to explore these vintage wines and the stories behind them.
12 Most Expensive Old Bottles of Wine Sold at Record Prices
1. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti 1945
Price: $558,000
The 1945 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is a true icon in the world of wine. In 2018, it made history when it was sold at a Sotheby’s auction for a staggering $558,000.
This bottle holds the record for the most expensive bottle of wine ever sold in history. It comes from one of the most famous and prestigious vineyards; Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. It is known for producing some of the finest Burgundy wines in the world. The 1945 vintage is referred to as ‘the unicorn vintage’ because only 600 bottles were made. Its unmatched quality and rarity contributed to the jaw-dropping price tag, cementing its place in wine history.
2. Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon 1992
Price: $500,000
In 2000, a six-liter bottle of the 1992 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon fetched $500,000 at a Napa Valley, California charity auction. This bottle was released in limited quantities in 1995 and quickly became one of the most desired aged wines in the world.
The buyer, thought to be former Cisco Systems executive Chase Bailey, paid a hefty price. Although the price was reduced for charity purposes.
The wine itself is renowned for its rich, full-bodied flavour profile with a complexity that comes from the careful craftsmanship of Screaming Eagle Winery. While the final price at auction may have been adjusted for charity, it remains one of the highest wine prices ever achieved.
3. Jeroboam of Chateau Mouton-Rothschild 1945
Price: $310,700
Chateau Mouton-Rothschild 1945 is a wine that commands respect. This Jeroboam bottle, which holds the equivalent of four standard bottles was sold for $310,700.
The 1945 vintage is considered one of the best from the Rothschild vineyard, renowned for its unique character and historical significance. The bottle’s label features a ‘V‘. It represents the victory of the Allied forces in World War II, making it not only a collectible wine but also a piece of history.
With its elegant notes of blackberry, oak, mint, vanilla, and spices, this wine is a sensory masterpiece and a remarkable example of the best Bordeaux ever made.
4. 1947 Cheval-Blanc
Price: $304,375
The 1947 Cheval-Blanc is one of the finest wines ever produced in Bordeaux. At a 2018 Christie’s auction in Geneva, it sold for $304,375.
This bottle stands out for its exceptional quality, and it holds a prestigious Class A status under the Saint-Emilion wine classification. This specialty places it among the highest-ranking wines from the region. The 1947 vintage is often regarded as one of the best ever made. Thanks to the ideal weather conditions for grape-growing that year.
This wine bottle is also the only known Imperial format of the 1947 Cheval-Blanc. This, further, increases its value. Its rich, complex flavours and smooth finish make it a rare and highly sought-after collectible.
5. Shipwrecked 1907 Heidsieck
Price: $275,000
The Shipwrecked Heidsieck Champagne is one of the most fascinating and historical bottles of wine ever found. In 1998, 2,000 bottles were saved from the wreck of a Swedish freighter off the coast of Finland. The ship had been destroyed during World War I while carrying this Champagne, which was originally intended for the Imperial Court of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia.
After spending over 80 years on the floor of the Baltic Sea, the bottles were remarkably well-preserved. Thanks to the unique cellaring conditions under the water.
The 1907 Heidsieck Champagne is prized for its unique flavour and historical context. One bottle was sold for $275,000 at auction. This discovery is not only a wine collector’s dream but also a significant piece of World War I history.
6. Chateau Lafite’s 1869
Price: $230,000
At a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong in 2010, a bottle of Chateau Lafite’s 1869 made waves when it sold for $230,000.
Initially, it was estimated to fetch around $60,000. Then, the bottle went on to spark a fierce bidding war and ultimately sold out for four times the original estimate. The buyer purchased all three of the available 1869 bottles.
Chateau Lafite Rothschild is one of the most prestigious wine estates in Bordeaux. This 1869 vintage is highly prized for its rarity and exceptional quality. Though it was made over 150 years ago, the wine’s historical value, along with its delicate workmanship, makes it a gem for collectors.
7. Chateau Margaux 1787
Price: $225,000
The Chateau Margaux 1787 is not just a wine. It’s a historical artifact.
It is famously linked to Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, whose initials were engraved on the bottle. This particular bottle was originally valued at around $500,000 due to its rarity and historical significance.
But tragedy struck when a waiter accidentally knocked the bottle over and shattered it beyond repair. While the wine could never be enjoyed, it still holds the record for the most expensive wine bottle never sold.
Insurers later compensated $225,000 for the loss and made it one of the most expensive pieces of wine history.
8. Penfolds Block 42 (2004)
Price: $168,000
Penfolds, one of Australia’s most prestigious wineries, has been making fine wines since 1844. But it’s the brand’s reputation that has helped this wine make its way to the list of the most expensive aged wines ever sold.
The 2004 Block 42 Cabernet Sauvignon commands a hefty price of $168,000 per bottle.
This wine’s exclusivity isn’t just about the quality of its grapes. It’s also about the experience. Instead of a traditional cork, this wine is sealed with a small wooden plug. An expert winemaker accompanies the buyer to ensure it is opened properly. This ensures a luxurious and unforgettable experience with every sip.
9. Ampoule from Penfolds
Price: $168,000
This unique wine is a limited edition of the 2004 Block 42 Cabernet Sauvignon from Penfolds. Its price tag of $168,000 is as striking as its design.
The wine is packaged in a glass ampoule which can only be opened by breaking off the end.
To preserve its sanctity and proper opening, a winemaker is present to guide the buyer through the process. The ampoules are considered one of the most expensive wines ever retailed directly from a winery. This had increased Penfolds’ legacy as a leader in the fine wine market.
10. Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1787
Price: $156,450
Much like the Chateau Margaux 1787, this bottle of Chateau Lafite Rothschild from 1787 is also believed to have once belonged to Thomas Jefferson. Thanks to the engraved initials ‘Th. J.’ discovered on the bottle.
After being lost for nearly two centuries, it was revealed in a Paris cellar in the 1980s. When it was auctioned at Christie’s in London in 1985, it fetched a staggering price of $156,450. This remarkable vintage is one of the most expensive bottles of wine ever sold, with its deep history and rare provenance adding to its allure.
11. Henri Jayer, Vosne-Romanée Cros Parantoux 1999
Price: $136,955
Henri Jayer, a legendary winemaker from Burgundy, crafted this 1999 Vosne-Romanée Cros Parantoux, which sold for an impressive $136,955 at a Christie’s wine auction in Hong Kong.
It’s hard to say whether it’s Jayer’s extraordinary reputation or the wine’s exceptional quality that drove its high price.
Regardless, this vintage is known for its rich and dense structure, filled with complex layers of ripe red fruits, minerals, and spices. The 1999 vintage is highly sought after by collectors, making it one of the top luxury wines in the world.
12. Speyer Wine Bottle 325-350 AD
Price: Not for Sale
The Speyer wine bottle is the world’s oldest unopened bottle of wine, dating back to between 325 and 350 AD. It was discovered in 1867 in the tomb of a Roman couple in Germany.
Remarkably preserved, the bottle features two dolphin-shaped handles and is sealed with wax and olive oil to preserve the contents.
Today, it is displayed at the Pfalz Historical Museum in Germany, where it continues to awe visitors as the oldest known bottle of wine in existence. While this ancient bottle will never be sold, its historical value makes it an invaluable artifact in the world of wine.
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