Synopsis

For over three centuries Bordeaux has commanded an almost mythical status in the world of wine as a symbol of wealth, power and influence. But recently prices for the prestige red wines have been skyrocketing. Something unprecedented is happening to the Bordeaux fine wine market and that something is China.

Red Obsession sets out to explore the Bordeaux phenomenon. Just how good can really good wine be? What compels a cashed up industrialist to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for a single bottle? Is it taste, prestige or investment that is driving the demand for the wines of Bordeaux? Or is it simply the need to own something ethereal, unworldly and limited?

Red Obsession is a story of aspiration for greatness. It is also a study of power and passion in high places and the economic power shift from West to East.

Location

Red Obsession has been given unprecedented access to the most iconic Chateaux in France including Chateau Margaux,  Ch. Lafite, Ch. Petrus, Ch. Haut Brion, Ch. Latour and Ch. d’Yquem. We travel from frantic London trading floors selling wine futures, to remote Chinese organic vineyards in the shadow of the Great Wall. We go inside the emotionally charged wine auction rooms in Hong Kong where competition is fierce and staggering prices are paid. We talk to wine makers and wine writers. And we meet the collectors, some famous like Sir Michael Parkinson and Francis Ford Coppola, others not so well-known, like the billionaire sex toy manufacturer in his factory in Shen Zhen. All speak frankly and openly about their obsession and the lengths they will go to to obtain the fine red wines of Bordeaux.