Bordeaux Flashcards
2022
Warm, vibrant and sleek
WS: 95-98
2021
Frost and rain
not good
WS: 87-90
2020
Rainy in spring, hot summer
okay vintage
WS: 92-93
2019
Fine
Hot and dry, fine tannins
WS: 92-93
2018
Extreme conditions
wet spring into hot and dry summer
Inconsistent
good! not as good as 2016
Left bank dense and tannic
WS: 94-96
2017
FROST
WS: 91-93
Best in St Emilion
Fresh and pure
2016
GREAT on left bank
GOOD on right bank
Rainy spring, dry summer
Ripe and tannic, fresh
WS: 94 for right bank
L = 97
Best and worst vintage 2016-2020
2020 or 2017 = Worst
2016 = Best
2015
Warm and dry
Right bank excellent
Left bank very strong
Ripe and lush
WS: 97 Rt bank
94 left bank
2014
Better than the 3 previous years -
warm and sunny at harvest, yields are up, and the grapes are likely in better condition.
WS: 91 rt bank
93 left bank
2013
TERRIBLE
rainstorms!
Early consumption. Light and easy.
WS: 84 Rt bank
86 left bank
2012
Cool and wet early led to uneven crop set and disease pressure, while dry, hot August
Rigorous sorting necessary
Bit more inconsistent
WS: 88 left bank
90 right bank
2011
Difficult year, very small yields
Fresh and aromatic, less concentrated, drink now
Big botrytis year - excellent in Sauternes
WS: 91
Best and worst vintage between 2010-2015
2010=BEST
2013 OR 2012 = WORST
2010
Vintage of the decade.
Also exceptional, but more tannic, structured, less drinkable now. Very powerful. Will age.
Drought year = high extract
WS: 99
Best and worst vintages between 2010-2022
2010 = BEST
2012/2013/2017 = WORST
2009
Rich, powerful yet friendly
WS: right bank 97
left bank 96
Best and worst vintage between 2010-2015
2010=BEST
2013 OR 2012 = WORST
2008
Very long, cool, sunny, dry summer
Very late harvest - up to 160 days of hang time for some (v. 100 average)
Difficult vintage
Fresh with crisp acidity
WS: R = 87
L = 88
2007
Soft and delicate
easy drinking
WS: 85 right bank
86 left bank
2006
Hard, tannic, and austere vintage
Good wine made through rigorous sorting
Very wet September
WS: RT=90
L = 89
2005
-exceptional across the board
Generally hot and dry with just the right amount of rain
Record upticks in price
depth, structure and finesse
WS: R = 98
L = 97
2004
Round, supple, charming, drink now
WS: R = 89
L = 88
Best and worst vintages 2005-2009
2005 = BEST
2009 = 2nd BEST
2007-2008 = worst