The 2024 vintage in Bordeaux, presented to buyers and journalists in April, has already garnered significant attention. 2024 was a challenging year, marked by incredible amounts of rain, hot and humid weather, and severe outbreaks of fungal diseases. The sorting machines were running at full speed during the harvest.
The volume was lower than usual for everyone. Some lost 50% of their harvest. However, there is nothing wrong with the quality.
On our wine tour in Bordeaux earlier in May, we tasted three grape varieties straight from the barrel at Château Olivier in Pessac-Léognan. The cabernet sauvignon and merlot were both in the classic Bordeaux style with elegant, fine tannins and freshness. The petit verdot was powerful and a bit harsh, and will probably add some spice in the final blend.
The 2024 primeur sales are in full swing, and as many had predicted, prices have generally dropped by around 30-40% compared to 2023. Buyers’ appetite for purchasing is not at its peak, and wine merchants have large stockpiles.
But Bordeaux 2024 will appeal to all lovers of classic Bordeaux.
Travel: Come on a wine tour to Bordeaux with BKWine. (PS: We’ve written a prize-winning book on Bordeaux.)
