At the heart of the 2023 vintage with the Bordeaux En-Primeurs

Weather conditions for the 2023 Bordeaux vintage 

The 2023 Bordeaux vintage follows in the wake of capricious but favourable weather. The spring was marked by early flowering, giving rise to fears of late frosts. Fortunately, the vines were spared, and the summer that followed was marked by sunny days and cool nights, providing ideal conditions for the grapes to ripen. Autumn was mild and dry, allowing the grapes to be picked at optimum ripeness.

Expectations for Bordeaux En-Primeurs wines 

The 2023 vintage was unveiled during the En-Primeurs week in Bordeaux. Wines combining power and finesse are expected. Bordeaux wines promise to stand out for their balance and silky tannins. On the palate, we're hoping for an explosion of fruity aromas, underpinned by an elegant structure and bewitching length.

First feedback on Bordeaux En-Primeurs wines 

In the complex landscape of the 2023 vintage, diversity reigns supreme. Marked by a surprising heterogeneity, the 2023 vintage offers a varied panorama, where each Bordeaux wine estate reveals its character.  

Our experts have explored each cuvée with meticulous attention in order to weigh up the merits of each Bordeaux wine and decide whether or not to buy it En-Primeurs. While the 2023 vintage may not be considered great overall, it's still solid, according to Kate, our buying director; with a particular focus on dry and sweet white wines. In fact, it's a good year for dry white wines, which come out very aromatic, and an incredible year for Sauternes, which are very fresh.  As for the red wines, it's a 'new' classic, with supple tannins and fruit that's easy to get to grips with; a big favourite for the Pauillac appellation.

During this week's En-Primeurs in Bordeaux, big names such as James Suckling and Robert Parker, accompanied by their respective firms, assessed the 2023 vintage as a whole. Yes, even in the world of wine, we have critics who taste and award scores on a 100-point scale. These scores are essential references to guide us in our purchasing decisions, and are based on the wine's quality, structure and ageing potential.  

According to James Suckling, some red wines from the 2023 vintage stand out for their exceptional structure, thanks to low alcohol and vibrant acidity. He points out that some of his favourites have a remarkably low pH of around 3.5 or less, which he believes makes them some of the most vibrant and lively Bordeaux reds he has tasted in years. Among them, prestigious names such as Château Canon and Château Pavie stand out for their ability to take structure and intensity to the next level, thanks to their limestone-rich terroirs. In terms of its top ratings to date, the majority come from the right bank, particularly the Saint-Émilion appellation.

Robert Parker also highlights a 2023 vintage that will be ‘just as exciting’ as its predecessors. A more varied vintage in terms of quality, with a more pronounced style. His ratings highlight a number of nuggets, including Château Jean-Faure with 93-95 points, a glowing score for such a small château. We can also congratulate Château Figeac with 96-98 points and Château Léoville Barton with a score of 94-96 points for its red wine.

The curtain rises on Bordeaux's En-Primeurs wines

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