Burgundy - Red

Question 1

2018

Answer 1

Usefully wet winter preceded a very hot summer. Fruit ripened to such reliable extent that distictions between climat and even quality levels seemed a little blurred in some cases, so this is a vintagw whwre village and even regional wines are worth exploring. Juicy, generally fruity, flattering wines with a question mark over their potential for aging.

Question 2

2017

Answer 2

Like Alsace, mostly bountiful harvest, contrasting much of frost striken France (and unlucky Chablis). Relatively easy harvest has resulted in fruity reds with moderate acidity and soft tannins. Comparisons to ‘02 and ‘99

Question 3

2016

Answer 3

Hail, frost and mildew all made for extremely difficult vintage. Universally low yields, less concentrated fruit than 2015. Varied conditions in each sub-region.

Question 4

2015

Answer 4

Low yields and warm weather made for ample ripeness, small berries, and an early harvest. Quality looking extremely fine, with some people whispering comparisons to fantastic ‘05 vintage.

Question 5

2014

Answer 5

An unusually mild winter (this was the year of the Asian fruit fly) preceded an unusually early start to the season. Flowering took place in settled conditions and all seemed set fair for a year of good quantity at last, and an early harvest. Except that the summer was miserably cool and wet (and a dramatic hailstorm on 28 June wreaked havoc on the Côte de Beaune for the third year running) so that growers needed every ray of sunshine in a fine September to recoup their losses. Wines are relatively light

Question 6

2013

Answer 6

A frigid spring delayed flowering and led to uneven ripening. Producers battled with hail (particularly in the Côte de Beaune) and summer downpours, but, despite the naysaying, a drier September allowed a small crop of balanced fruit with good potential.

Question 7

2012

Answer 7

Blighted by rot, as a damp summer across Europe made conditions hard for vignerons, with mildew a particular problem. The weather was erratic and bizarre, with heatwaves, hail, a cold spring, thunderstorms and all manner of meteorological mischief. The net results are very low volumes of variable quality – but overall vignerons are surprised and delighted by what resulted. One hallmark of 2012 looks to be soft tannins.

Question 8

2011

Answer 8

Disappointing quality with widespread rot and uneven weather conditions throughout the year. The results can be surprisingly good in parts, but 2010 is a much safer bet.

Question 9

2010

Answer 9

A return to the high acid norm after 2009, and some very good quality – especially in the Côte de Nuits – but volumes up to a third lower than average.

Question 10

2009

Answer 10

Finally, the Burgundians enjoyed a comparatively dry growing season with consistent warmth and no early season hail damage. Low acidity and ripe tannins should make these reds drinkable early.

Question 11

2008

Answer 11

An accursed vintage in Burgundy, with coulure, mildew and hail all conspiring to damage yields and quality. Late September sunshine went some way to rescue the crop, however, although high acidity remains the hallmark of this vintage.

Question 12

2007

Answer 12

A dank summer led to rotten Pinot Noir grapes and the need for extremely strict selection. The vintage is unlikely to notch up record scores.

Question 13

2006

Answer 13

Poor summer with vine health problems produced wines which at their best are very pure and expressive and at their worst just a bit too austere for comfort.

Question 14

2005

Answer 14

As in Bordeaux, a quite exceptionally good vintage, although many wines may go through a prolonged stage of chewy adolescence.

Question 15

2004

Answer 15

Large vintage of far from flashy but pretty serviceable and certainly good value wines. Relatively light and crisp, for early drinking though the best may surprise in the long run.

Question 16

2003

Answer 16

A small proportion of monumental wines from old vines were produced this heatwave year, but generally the frail Pinot Noir grape suffered raisining and made some very unusual wines indeed, some of which provide good, luscious drinking at about five years old but dry tannins are expected to make their presence increasingly felt.

Question 17

2002

Answer 17

Good vintage. Summer was not especially hot, though it was reasonably dry. Sugar levels were boosted in September but some grapes were adversely affected by scattered rains then. Sugar levels were quite respectable in the end and most wines showed their charms at an early stage.

Question 18

2001

Answer 18

Wet summer with some heat spikes. As for red bordeaux from this vintage, a gentle hand was needed in the winery to retain delicacy and not emphasize the already notable tannins. Quite varied quality. Wines from low-yielding grapes will provide exciting long-term drinking but others are gawky. August hail in Volnay.

Question 19

2000

Answer 19

A difficult vintage for growers, with rain and rot during harvest. Rather soft, easy wines that were more successful in the Côte de Nuits than in much of the Côte de Beaune. Useful early drinking but showing signs of losing fruit by 2008.

Question 20

1999

Answer 20

Exceptional quality and quantity. Powerful, charming and well balanced with great concentration and colour – particularly in the Côte de Beaune. The Côte de Nuits was hampered by a little more rain. Tannins and pigments achieved sumptuous ripeness. A vintage to drink young or old.

Question 21

1998

Answer 21

Thick skins made for good colours but pretty tough and stolid wines in general.

Question 22

1997

Answer 22

Charming, early-drinking wines – most should have been drunk by now.

Question 23

1996

Answer 23

Remarkably high acidity has made its presence increasingly felt over the years in bottle. Some wines just too tart for comfort; others may eventually bloom.

Question 24

1995

Answer 24

Reduced crop of initially rather austere wines which took on fat in bottle and can provide delicious drinking now.

Question 25

1994

Answer 25

A year to highlight Burgundy’s infamy for variability as too many let yields balloon after the rains.

Question 26

1993

Answer 26

Underrated. Better than average: healthy grapes and well-coloured, fruity wines that have lasted and developed well.

Question 27

1992

Answer 27

Rain at the wrong time again. Soft, tender wines to drink young.

Question 28

1991

Answer 28

Grapes had ripened before it rained and some wines from the Côtes de Nuits are excellent. Not to be overlooked.

Question 29

1990

Answer 29

A great success: rich and fragrant. The top vineyards made majestic wines but some lesser wines lacked lusciousness.

Question 30

1989

Answer 30

Nearly up to 1990, if not as intense. Some real charmers.

Question 31

1988

Answer 31

Tough and unusually backward, most are densely concentrated and the best repaid 20 years’ wait.

Question 32

1987

Answer 32

Natural ripeness was a problem so many overchaptalised.

Question 33

1986

Answer 33

A very tricky year of rain and rot. Careful growers avoided the dilution but not a year to seek out.

Question 34

1985

Answer 34

A problem-free year: delicious and fragrant young, but most should have been drunk.

Question 35

1984

Answer 35

Poor weather and unripe grapes. One to avoid.

Question 36

1983

Answer 36

A torrid summer and very mixed bag. A handful are brilliant but most are tainted by rot.

Question 37

1982

Answer 37

Large yields of soft, pleasant wines best drunk young.

Question 38

1980

Answer 38

Underestimated at first: balanced and scented, though most are past it now.

Question 39

1978

Answer 39

A late but uniformly good crop. Top growers made breathtaking wines. Now very rare.