Over the past year, The World of Fine Wine has highlighted an array of noteworthy Bordeaux wines, showcasing the best bottles encountered throughout 2024.
Notable Releases
2020 Château Angélus Grand Vin Blanc Vin de Pays de l’AtlantiqueIn June, Raymond Blake experienced the inaugural release of Château Angélus Grand Vin Blanc, a striking example of a white micro-cuvée from the Bordeaux estate. At a dinner held in Dublin, the evening’s highlight was a well-aged 1985 Château Angélus, which was praised for its remarkable depth and flavor. However, it was this younger counterpart that captivated the guests most. Blake articulated that despite the fond memories of the 1985 vintage, guests found themselves enchanted by the freshness and finesse of the Grand Vin Blanc, describing it as delicately composed with a graceful finish.
2020 Château Lafite Rothschild 1er CruEric Kohler characterizes this wine as "serenity." Although initially reticent, the wine reveals a harmonious blend of flavors, with cassis, black cherry, and hints of charcuterie emerging. The high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (93%) contributes to its long maturing potential, yielding a wine that is both harmonious now and for years to come. Rated at 98–99 points, it exemplifies finesse and power.
2020 Château Latour 1er CruThis vintage is hailed for its dense color and aroma, combining savory and sweet elements. The wine—composed predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon (92%)—impresses with its complex aromas of cassis leaf, woodsmoke, and more. It has a vibrant character, with a finish that remains finely scented and vigorous, also rated at 98–99 points.
Observations on Recent Vintages
During the fall session of the Riga Wine & Champagne Festival, Andrew Jefford evaluated several older Mouton vintages, most notably the 1986, which, despite once being celebrated, received little affection from the tasters. Conversely, the 1962 vintage surprised participants with its enduring appeal and classical charm.
As for the 2023 Bordeaux vintage, Simon Field MW noted a plethora of elegant wines, albeit not quite reaching the heights of its predecessor. The report also highlighted the underlying challenges faced by Bordeaux, including an increasing number of vineyard uprooting and prevalent mildew due to resource shortages.
A Study of Cabernet Franc
In a tasting panel dedicated to Cabernet Franc, Bordeaux stood out, producing the highest-scoring wines. Panelists noted that the grape is capable of producing a remarkable range of styles and flavors. The sublime Guinaudeau (Château Lafleur) Les Perrières Bordeaux Supérieur stood out with its elegant profile and complexity, earning a score of 96 points.
This overview presents only a snippet of the incredible offerings Bordeaux deliver, inviting wine enthusiasts to delve deeper into this esteemed wine region.