Haut-Brion is First of the Firsts

The big news of the week from the Bordeaux 2005 en primeur campaign was the almost sneaky release of first-growth Haut-Brion late on Friday. The château price of about $300 a bottle translated to $450 a bottle at retail. A record price by a long shot.

Still, Haut-Brion, which traditionally is priced at a premium over the other first-growths, may have left something on the table. London merchants are estimating wistfully that first-growth prices could hit over $7,000 a case. Apparently, this optimism is fueled by the overwhelming advance orders for these ultimate Bordeaux luxuries.

Meanwhile, right bank first-growths, Cheval Blanc and Petrus, which both report to have produced spectacular wines, seem to be taking it easy and appear to be in no rush to commit, though it's becoming very tempting now to do so.

If you're in the hunt for these highly sought-after first-growths, stay tuned early tomorrow Monday and throughout the weekl