Bordeaux 2024: Recommendations from St-Estèphe and St-Julien
In the 2024 growing season, Bordeaux faced varying climatic conditions, particularly in St-Estèphe, where a significant reduction in rainfall resulted in inconsistent wine quality. The unique soil compositions—with varied gravel deposits and a higher clay content—have contributed to this variability. A total of 30 wines from St-Estèphe were evaluated, revealing a mix of results; while some were harshly tannic and lacked depth, others delivered excellence across all tiers of production.
Ratings provided reflect the unfinished nature of these wines as they were tasted directly from barrel samples.
St-Estèphe Highlights
-
Château Cos d’Estournel (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 1.5% Cabernet Franc, 0.5% Petit Verdot)
- This vintage showcases a balanced depth of flavor and elegance, highlighting fresh red and black berries alongside notes of herbs and graphite. Recommended alongside the intense Cos d’Estournel Blanc and the well-made Les Pagodes de Cos. Estimated drinking window: 2032–2052. Rating: 94.
-
Château Montrose (80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc)
- This wine exemplifies St-Estèphe’s potential in 2024, with remarkable concentration and refinement. Its flavor profile includes fresh blackberries and cedar, representing the finest of the appellation. Recommended alongside Terrasse III and La Dame de Montrose. Estimated drinking window: 2034–2054. Rating: 95.
-
Château Phélan Ségur (68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot)
- Notable for its clarity and early approachability, this wine features defined flavors of cassis and graphite. A solid expression of St-Estèphe that is appealing even in youth. Estimated drinking window: 2031–2040. Rating: 91.
St-Julien Insights
In comparison, the 25 wines from St-Julien exhibited greater consistency, although some producers struggled with extraction and balance. Noteworthy producers were recognized alongside some that fell short.
-
Château Branaire-Ducru (72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 3.5% Cabernet Franc, 2.5% Petit Verdot)
- This vintage stands out for its freshness and balance with vibrant flavors of blackberries and red plums. Suitable for early drinking, it promises longevity. Estimated drinking window: 2031–2048. Rating: 93.
-
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou (86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot)
- Concentrated and intense, this wine excels in both flavor and structure, offering layers of violet and black plum, with a suggestion of aging potential. Estimated drinking window: 2033–2050. Rating: 93.
-
Château Léoville Las Cases (84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot)
- Representing a classic vintage, this wine emerges as my top choice in St-Julien for 2024. It possesses the concentration and character expected from this estate. Estimated drinking window: 2034–2052. Rating: 94.
The 2024 Bordeaux vintage provides consumers an opportunity to discover quality wines across different producers and terroirs.