Based on analyzing the component wines in the WinePrices.com Fine Wine 250 index, which is comprised of the 250 most frequently traded auction wines, here is the list of the top 10 performers from January 2005 through March 2009. All prices are for single 750ml bottles and "CAGR" means Compound Annual Growth Rate over the period:
While these annualized returns are impressive, keep in mind that current values are substantially below the peak prices achieved during this same period. Here is the same table restated to include the highest monthly auction average value per wine, the corresponding index value, and the percent decline from the peak price which the current value represents:
Bottom line: There's money to be made in wine investing.
