The campaign now more commonly referred to as The September Releases has become known variously as the “Icons”, “Beyond Bordeaux”, “La Place Late Releases”, “The Contenders”, “The Outsiders”, and represents a collection of wines offered by the Bordeaux-based négociant system La Place from late August through to early October.
Originally these were focussed on Napa estates but broadened out to include Tuscany and the Americas more generally, with wines tending to be based on Bordeaux varieties, which would make sense given the experience and networks of La Place.
However as more wines from different regions are added each year the offering becomes more complex. 2022 saw Spain’s first releases (Yjar and Vivaltus) and also Australia’s (Penfolds Bin 169) as well as the first Brunello (Poggio Antico). 2023 brought new releases from as far afield as Barolo, Bandol, Austria, Etna and the Rhône. Now, with the 2025 September Releases, we’re expecting an even more diverse and ambitious line-up.
So, we’re gearing up for another busy Icons campaign!
Our Approach
At Honest Grapes we will once again be offering a focussed selection of those wines that are typically worth buying on release, such as Opus One and Masseto. There are also plenty of iconic wines released outside of the La Place network during September, so we are looking forward to offering the new vintages from Tuscan superstars Castello di Ama and IPSUS, among others.
Just like our Bordeaux En Primeur campaigns, we will be rather more selective than most, only offering those releases we believe are sufficiently thrilling and good value to present to you.
Following the success of our Syndicate Projects, this year we are also hoping to secure some exclusive opportunities for our Club Members around the Icons campaign, including potential shared barrels and other rare allocations. Watch this space!
Below you will find a calendar of the key 2025 September Releases on our radar and which we are likely to offer, depending on pricing. It’s a cracking line-up this year.
Calendar
1 September: Opus One, Overture 2022
2 September: Masseto 2022, Massetino 2023
3 September: Vin de Constance 2022
4 September: Solaia 2022, Y d'Yquem 2023, Seña 2023
5 September: Ch. de Beaucastel Hommage à Jacques Perrin 2023, Palmer 2015 ex-Château
8 September: Penfolds Icons, Yalumba Octavius
9 September: Latour 2012, Forts de Latour 2012
11 September: Bibi Graetz releases, Caiarossa 2022
15 September: Yjar 2021, Matallana 2022, Dolio 2021
16 September: Cheval des Andes 2022, Petit Cheval Blanc 2023
17 September: Pym Rae 2021, Beaulieu Georges de Latour 2022
18 September: Philipponnat Clos des Goisses 2016