Die Subskriptionskampagne wird natürlich implodieren. Aber auf dem linken Ufer sollten Cabernet-lastige Weine von den üblichen Verdächtigen mit ihren gut gedränten, warmen Böden (Kies) in frostfreien Lagen (in Gironde-Nähe und guter Exposition) nicht ganz so übel geworden sein (here's looking at you, Saint-Julien).Fresh, fruity red wines including some great successes on the finest terroirs, very good dry white wines, polished and expressive, and pure and well-balanced botrytised sweet white wines
Although perception and reality may sometimes differ regarding the assessment of the weather, the indicators confirm, in a factual manner, that 2024 was a rainy year. This served as a reminder of how demanding winegrowing is in a region subject to a strong oceanic influence. When it comes to making an initial assessment of the year for the great wines of Bordeaux, it is important to highlight the difficulties encountered, but above all the efforts made by Bordeaux winegrowers throughout the vine cycle. From late April until the end of véraison, they had to fight relentlessly to contain the damage caused by mildew. As is often the case, the results vary greatly, depending on the type of soil, rainfall, plus the economic, material and human resources available. In addition to this historical vine disease threat, coulure and millerandage, the consequences of rain during flowering, also had a substantial effect on the quantitative potential of the harvest. And lastly, grey rot, a well-known scourge n Bordeaux which the last vintages had managed to avoid, also struck in various ways, depending on winegrowing practices, the choice of harvest date and the intensity of the September storms. It meant meticulous sorting, sometimes eliminating a substantial share of the harvest. These three factors combined explain the high variability of the yields.
Once again, the informed observer should therefore refrain from making a general – inevitably simplistic – judgement on the success of the 2024 red wines. Only by careful tasting will it be possible to accurately assess the style of the wines produced, while trying to perceive the choices made by the winegrowers during the year, as well as the risks taken when deciding on the harvest date. The drastic selection, both of the grapes going into the vats and of the batches making up the blends, has certainly proved to be a major key to success in this unique vintage.
As they begin the ageing process, the Merlot wines appear fruity and aromatic overall. They do not have the density nor the power of the last vintages, but they show themselves to be pleasant and easy-going. The best terroirs of the Libourne region generally provide
additional body and smoothness. In the late-ripening plots and on waterlogged soils, herbaceous notes and a form of dilution are often observed.
When the harvest could wait, the Cabernet Sauvignon wines benefited from the respite at the beginning of October. They provide colour, structure and depth to the blends. Precision viticulture generally avoided their green pepper character, particularly in early-
ripening areas. On the finest gravel terroirs, the Cabernet has undeniably achieved some beautiful wines in 2024.
The lack of a long heatwave in the summer and the presence of water reserves in the soils were advantageous for the aromatic potential of the white wine grapes. The Sauvignon Blanc wines are expressive with notes of lemon zest and white flowers, enhanced by a beautiful acidity. Sémillon, a very fashionable grape variety in Bordeaux, is capable of the best and the worst, and 2024 is a good illustration of this. On its preferred soils, the wines are fragrant, fleshy and flavoursome, whereas elsewhere, their mid-palate lacks density.
On the whole, the sweet white wines have a high degree of purity and botrytised aromas characteristic of early and widespread development of noble rot. Moderately concentrated, they are well-balanced and delicious.
To conclude, it is clear that 2024 will not be remembered as an exceptional vintage for Bordeaux wines. Nevertheless, thanks to the considerable efforts undertaken in the vineyards and the technical progress that winegrowers now benefit from, the quality of the wines
produced this year bears no comparison to the rainy vintages of the past. While it was obviously easier to make very good dry and sweet white wines, it would be a mistake to systematically overlook the red wines. Their profile, which differs from that of recent years,
should not be compared to any other in a futile and vain attempt to rank them, but considered in its own right. Therefore, given that enthusiasts seem to appreciate fruity, fresh red wines that can be enjoyed young, it would be abrupt to automatically snub the 2024 Bordeaux wines on the pretext that they do not match the standards of the greatest vintages.
Cheers,
Ollie
