Robert Parker's Words About The 2008 Vintage Lift Prices

The sudden rise in the price of Chateau Lafite 2008 proves that wine critic Robert Parker's influence remains strong. Parker gave the 2008 high marks in the Wine Advocate newsletter saying that it compares favorably to both the 2005 and the 2000. Almost immediately the price jumped. Decanter reports that according to Liv-ex, Chateau Lafite was trading at £2000 per case but jumped to £3,500 after Parker's words (it later went back down to around £3000).

Many people have said that while the 2008 is better than was expected, it's not extraordinary. Parker's enthusiastic endorsing of the vintage has wine sellers concerned afraid the chateaux may raise their prices because of Parker's endorsement. Such a move could prove risky in this fragile wine market. And as always when discussing Parker many wonder if one man should have so much power.