- Wine world
Bordeaux wine vintage guide
- Fri, Apr 19, 2024 at 10:00
Vintage 2000
The year 2000 is often described as a legendary vintage in Bordeaux. Characterised by a hot, dry summer, followed by an ideal harvest period, this vintage produced wines of exceptional concentration and richness. This year's wines stand out for their depth and remarkable ageing potential. The 2000 vintage was a symbol of the entry into the new millennium for Bordeaux winegrowers; a period of renewal and innovation.
Our expert's opinion: "A truly legendary vintage with prices to match! A vintage that benefited from sufficient sunshine and temperatures to allow the grapes to ripen well. It's a structured vintage with a masculine style."
Our favourite wine ❤️ : Château Latour
Vintage 2001
The year 2001 was marked by cooler weather conditions, which led to wines that were more elegant and fresher than those of the previous vintage. Château Cheval Blanc, Château Ausone and Château Lafite Rothschild were among the estates that shone in the 2001 vintage, demonstrating their ability to adapt to climatic variations to produce wines of exceptional quality.
Our expert's opinion: "Completely overshadowed by the 2000 vintage, the 2001 vintage is still very strong and is drinking very well today. The best wine of the vintage was a Sauternes and this Yquem remains one of the best wines ever produced, all regions combined."
Our favourite wine ❤️ : Château Yquem
Vintage 2002
2002 was a year of difficult weather conditions, with heavy rain during the harvest period. However, the winegrowers of Bordeaux showed ingenuity and determination to produce quality wines despite the challenges. Despite the difficulties, the 2002 vintage is a testament to the resilience and perseverance of Bordeaux producers in the face of adversity.
Our expert's opinion: " ‘A difficult vintage, but there were a few gems: Calon Ségur and above all Cos d'Estournel came out on top."
Our favourite wine ❤️ : Château Cos d'Estournel
Vintage 2003
2003 was marked by an exceptional heat wave in Europe, which led to early ripening of the grapes and an early harvest. The wines from this year stand out for their concentration, richness and power. In addition to the extreme weather conditions, the 2003 vintage was a lesson in vineyard management in the face of adversity, demonstrating the ability of Bordeaux winegrowers to make the most of the most difficult situations.
Our expert's opinion: "While many thought that the heatwave would destroy the vintage, the vines managed to maintain sufficient hydration to produce long-lasting fresh wines. Château Lafite was quite extraordinary in this vintage, helped by its characteristic fresher, more open style."
Our favourite wine ❤️ : Château Lafite
Vintage 2004
The year 2004 was marked by cooler, wetter weather conditions, leading to fresher, more balanced wines than in previous years. The wines stand out for their finesse, elegance and well-balanced structure. As well as producing quality wines, the 2004 vintage highlighted the importance of patience and vigilance in viticulture, as winemakers had to deal with changing weather conditions to get the best from their vines.
Our expert's opinion: "Overshadowed by 2003 and 2005, the 2004 vintage was solid and consistent. Domaine de Chevalier managed to be both direct and drinkable, while having enough backbone to age comfortably for another twenty years or so."
Our favourite wine ❤️ : Domaine de Chevalier
Vintage 2005
2005 was a year of exceptional weather conditions, with a hot, dry summer followed by an ideal harvest. The Bordeaux wines from this vintage stand out for their power, opulence and exceptional ageing potential. Château Pétrus, Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Margaux have produced wines of great richness and remarkable depth, which will continue to improve for many years to come.
Our expert's opinion: "THE vintage, the one that everyone remembers as the greatest, the longest. Le Pontet Canet really excelled that year, even if all the other first growths were the stars."
Our favourite wine ❤️ : Château Pontet Canet
Vintage 2006
2006 was characterised by cooler-than-average weather conditions, resulting in fresher, more elegant wines. The wines stand out for their delicate fruitiness, lively acidity and light structure. The 2006 vintage was a lesson in finesse and subtlety for Bordeaux producers.
Our expert's opinion: "A balanced, fine vintage. Pichon Lalande has surpassed its 2005 efforts with its great 2006 (as has its Pauillac colleague, Mouton). This is one of the estate's legendary modern wines".
Our favourite wine ❤️ : Château Pichon Longueville Lalande
Vintage 2007
2007 was a year of difficult weather conditions, with heavy rainfall during the harvest period. This year's wines stood out for their lightness, freshness and early accessibility. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the 2007 vintage enabled Bordeaux winegrowers to demonstrate their agility and ability to adapt.
Our expert's opinion: "A difficult vintage for everyone, this year required a lot of extra work in the vineyards. While many thought it would be a disaster, it turned out to have some fine wines from the terroir."
Our favourite wine ❤️ : Château Grand Puy Lacoste
Vintage 2008
2008 was marked by a return to more favourable weather conditions, after the difficulties encountered in 2007. This year's wines stood out for their freshness, finesse and remarkable balance. The 2008 vintage was a reminder of the ability of Bordeaux winegrowers to overcome obstacles and produce high-quality wines, showcasing their expertise and commitment to excellence.
Our expert's opinion: "A very stable and regular vintage, a classic vintage".
Our favourite wine ❤️ : Château Pichon Baron
Vintage 2009
The weather conditions in 2009 were ideal, with a hot, dry summer followed by a perfect harvest. The Bordeaux wines from this vintage stand out for their richness, opulence and exceptional ageing potential.
Our expert's opinion: "An incredible year with a lot of heat, but the winegrowers were prepared and many produced exceptional wines".
Our favourite wine ❤️ : Château Smith Haut Lafite
Vintage 2010
2010 is often described as the vintage of the century in Bordeaux. Characterised by ideal weather conditions throughout the growing season, this vintage produced wines of rare intensity and exceptional depth. Château Margaux, Château Latour and Château Haut-Brion produced wines that are destined to become true legends. The 2010 vintage thus marks a high point in the recent history of Bordeaux wines, symbolising the perfection and excellence achieved by the Bordeaux vineyards.
Our expert's opinion: "It was a good vintage for almost everyone and wines of exceptional strength and freshness were created."
Our favourite wine ❤️ : Château Montrose
Vintage 2011
2011 was a year of variable weather conditions, with heavy rainfall during the harvest period. This year's wines stand out for their lightness, freshness and early accessibility. Despite the challenges posed by climatic variations, the 2011 vintage demonstrated the ability of Bordeaux winemakers to produce wines that can be enjoyed young.
Our expert's opinion: "After being overshadowed by the 2010 vintage and a rather awkward price, it never really gained in popularity during the primeur campaign. However, it's a wonderful vintage to rediscover now."
Our favourite wine ❤️ : Château Brane Cantenac
Vintage 2012
The year 2012 was characterised by cooler than average weather conditions, leading to fresher and more elegant wines. The 2012 vintage was a lesson in balance and refinement for Bordeaux producers, highlighting their ability to make the most of changing weather conditions to produce elegant, harmonious wines.
Our expert's opinion: "A vintage that was solid and classic, it worked well for Pauillac in particular. There are wonderful aromas of cassis and gravel here, one to drink now and over the next ten to twenty years."
Our favourite wine ❤️ : Château Pichon Baron
Vintage 2013
2013 was a year of difficult weather conditions, with heavy rain during the harvest period. This year's wines stand out for their lightness, freshness and early accessibility.
Our expert's opinion: "One of the weakest vintages in the last 20 years, the 2013s are being rediscovered for the quality white wines, both dry and sweet."
Our favourite wine ❤️ : Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey
Vintage 2014
The 2014 vintage was characterised by cooler, wetter weather conditions, leading to fresher, more balanced wines than in previous years. The 2014 vintage was a year of precision and delicacy for Bordeaux winemakers.
Our expert's opinion: "One of my favourites in a solid vintage, this has just come into its drinking window and is showing off exceptionally well."
Our favourite wine ❤️ : Château Brane Cantenac
Vintage 2015
2015 was hailed for the exceptional quality of its wines, characterised by elegance, finesse and freshness. Despite variable weather conditions, the Bordeaux wines of this vintage stand out for their intense fruitiness, silky tannins and length on the palate. Château Cheval Blanc, Château Ausone and Château Palmer are among the estates that shone in the 2015 Bordeaux vintage.
Our expert's opinion: "A great vintage after a series of average vintages, the warmth of 2015 has allowed Château Lynch-Bages to give birth to a wine of great balance that will be able to age for decades, a magnificent wine."
Our favourite wine ❤️ : Château Lynch-Bages
Vintage 2016
The weather conditions in 2016 were ideal, with a hot, dry summer followed by a perfect harvest. This year's wines stand out for their harmony, balance and finesse. The 2016 vintage is a shining example of the ability of Bordeaux winemakers to produce wines of exceptional quality when the weather conditions are favourable.
Our expert's opinion: "This is one of the oldest vintages, and most wine professionals agree that it is one of the best, following in the footsteps of 1982 and 1961. Haut Brion really showed its magic this year and produced a wine of complexity, minerality and length that will last well into the next century."
Our favourite wine ❤️ : Château Haut-Brion
Vintage 2017
The year 2017 was marked by difficult weather conditions, with spring frosts and hot summer spells. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the 2017 vintage is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Bordeaux's winegrowers, who made the most of the imperfect conditions to produce attractive wines.
Our expert's opinion: "In a vintage that did not favour the reds, Château Sudruiraut 2017 shows all the beauty of Sauternes in difficult vintages. Both fresh and extremely lush, this wine will continue to delight any wine lover for the next two decades."
Our favourite wine ❤️ : Château Sudruiraut
Vintage 2018
2018 was a year of variable weather conditions, with hot summer spells followed by heavy rain during the harvest period. This year's wines stand out for their expression of terroir, freshness and liveliness.
Our expert's opinion: "This old château, under new management, is fast becoming one of the Bordeaux wine professionals' favourite bottles. The 2018 vintage was decent but not exceptional, but the Carmes Haut Brion outshone almost everyone and is my favourite wine of this vintage."
Our favourite wine ❤️ : Château Les Carmes Haut Brion
Vintage 2019
2019 has been characterised by favourable weather conditions, with a hot, dry summer followed by a perfect harvest period. Initial tastings reveal elegant, balanced and expressive wines, with a fine concentration of fruit. The Bordeaux winemakers have succeeded in capturing the quintessence of the terroir in every bottle of Bordeaux wine.
Our expert's opinion: "This Mouton from the great 2019 vintage was of stunning quality. It really stood out amongst other strong contenders, it has complexity, acidity and structure that will last for decades. A diamond in the crown of the great 2019 vintage."
Our favourite wine ❤️ : Château Mouton Rothschid
Vintage 2020
The 2020 vintage, although young, is already showing great potential. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Bordeaux winemakers have succeeded in producing wines of the highest quality. Initial tastings reveal elegant, balanced and expressive wines, with refreshing acidity. We'll have to wait a few more years to fully assess the ageing potential of this vintage.
Our expert's opinion: "After the magic of 2019, it was hard to imagine there would be a following vintage, but 2020 has proved to be a worthy successor. In the 2020 vintage, Château Canon offers purity and precision, showing that it is one of the best estates in Saint-Émilion."
Our favourite wine ❤️ : Château Canon
A toast to Bordeaux wines!
Since 2000, Bordeaux wines have gone through a series of vintages rich in character, complexity and history. Each year brings its own challenges and opportunities, but Bordeaux winemakers have shown ingenuity and determination to produce wines of exceptional quality. As you explore these iconic vintages, you'll discover the fascinating history and incomparable diversity of Bordeaux wines.
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