Bordeaux 2023
Changing climates has led to Bordeaux’s maritime climate has becoming increasingly unpredictable in recent years, and weather conditions in 2023 provided more than a few challenges in the vineyard. After a mild, dry winter, spring and early summer were humid and warm – ideal conditions for the development of mildew, which has the effect of reducing yields significantly if not treated in time. Those with the financial means and manpower at their disposal managed to escape the worst of the damage, but others weren’t so lucky. Consequently, yields vary considerably from one property to the next. The first half of August was relatively cool, but from middle of the month heatwave conditions set in for over a week, helping the ripening process, followed by another temperature spike in the first ten days of September. Harvesting took place in unhurried manner over an extended period, allowing châteaux to pick their various grape varieties at optimal ripeness.
Comparisons have been drawn with the excellent 2001 vintage, a classic Bordeaux vintage that 23 years on is one of my favourite it terms of balance and drinkability. The favourable pricing should mean the wines can be bought, enjoyed and if you have been sitting out En Primeur for a number of years no would be a good time to stock up on what will prove to be excellent value and drinkable wines.
Top Picks
Our picks of the vintage would be Pichon Longueville Comtesse-de-Lalande, Mouton Rothschild and for pure value Leoville Las-Cases with Pontet-Canet offering in my eyes the greatest value to score ratio.
For investment the funds will be purchasing Carruades de Lafite 2023, released at £930 per case 6- some 66% lower than previous market highs