2023 Bordeaux: A Year of Complexity and Promise.

The Bordeaux wine region, renowned for its exceptional vintages, faced a challenging yet intriguing year in 2023. This year’s vintage has already garnered significant attention and anticipation, particularly with the Bordeaux en-primeur campaign, where wines are sold as futures. As we delve into the specifics of the 2023 Bordeaux vintage and the en-primeur campaign, we uncover the factors that shaped this year’s wines and what collectors and enthusiasts can expect.

Climate Conditions and Vineyard Challenges

The 2023 growing season in Bordeaux was marked by a series of climatic events that tested the resilience and expertise of vintners. The year began with a mild winter, leading to early bud break. However, the spring brought unexpected frost events, affecting some vineyards and causing concerns about yield and quality.

Summer temperatures soared, with several heatwaves pushing the mercury to unprecedented levels. This extreme heat stressed the vines, especially in regions without adequate water retention. As the season progressed, the region experienced sporadic but intense rainfall, causing further complications in the vineyard. The combination of heat and humidity increased the risk of mildew and other vine diseases, necessitating vigilant vineyard management.

Despite these challenges, the latter part of the season provided a silver lining. The cooler temperatures and sunny days in September allowed for a slower, more balanced ripening of the grapes. The meticulous care and adaptive strategies employed by the winemakers have resulted in a vintage that, while varied, shows great potential.

Characteristics of the 2023 Vintage

The 2023 Bordeaux vintage is characterized by its complexity and diversity. The wines reflect the climatic variations, with some appellations showcasing concentration and power, while others exhibit finesse and elegance.

The previous exceptional vintage seems to cast a shadow over 2023, but unfairly so. The 2023 vintage is characterized by a move towards more refinement and elegance, with clearly less extraction or heavy oak usage. Overall, there are finer acids and beautiful tannins. What appears to be a ‘shift’ in Bordeaux now often results in a more delicate balance than the fuller, more powerful wines of 2022, making the tasting experience all the more enjoyable.

Red Wines

For red wines, early tastings indicate a remarkable depth of flavor, with ripe fruit profiles and firm tannic structures. The Cabernet Sauvignon, in particular, benefited from the long ripening period, offering notes of blackcurrant, cedar, and spice. Merlot, on the other hand, shows a plush, velvety texture with rich plum and cherry notes. The blending of these varietals will be crucial in achieving the balance and harmony that Bordeaux is known for.

White Wines

The white wines of 2023 also present an interesting profile. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes, despite the challenging conditions, have developed a vibrant acidity and aromatic intensity. These whites are expected to have a good aging potential, with a balance of citrus, tropical fruit, and floral notes.

Winemaker Insights

Winemakers are enthusiastic about the 2023 Bordeaux vintage. Pierre Courdurié of Château Croix de Labrie describes the harvest as “very qualitative” and full of superlatives: “The 2023 vintage is bright, aromatic, fresh, powerful, balanced, dense, complex, elegant, with multi-layers and intense.” Château La Tour de By has already noted that the great terroirs of Bordeaux have produced “very beautiful and very grand wines.”

This high quality is not limited to Saint-Émilion but is found throughout the region. On the other bank, Château Langoa Barton speaks of “a vintage for which Bordeaux is famous and glorious,” noting excellent quality and good quantity. These are the hallmarks of a great wine year, but great wines often come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, there is good news on the pricing front. Prices are now on average 15-35% lower than in 2022. The most favorable time to buy Bordeaux is during this en-primeur period, as the wines will never be offered at a lower price than they are right now.

The 2023 Bordeaux En-Primeur Campaign

The en-primeur campaign for the 2023 vintage has generated considerable buzz. This annual event, where wines are sold while still in barrel, offers collectors and investors a chance to purchase Bordeaux wines at a potentially lower price before they are bottled and released to the market.

The 2023 en-primeur campaign has seen a positive response from both the trade and consumers. Despite the challenges faced during the growing season, the overall sentiment is optimistic. Many estates have reported strong interest and robust demand, driven by the anticipation of unique and diverse wines that this vintage promises.

Pricing and Investment

Pricing for the 2023 en-primeur wines has been a subject of much discussion. Given the complexities of the vintage and the varying quality across different appellations, pricing strategies have been carefully considered. While some top estates have maintained or slightly increased their prices, others have opted for more competitive pricing to attract buyers.

Investors and collectors are advised to approach the 2023 en-primeur campaign with a discerning eye, focusing on estates that have demonstrated resilience and innovation in their vineyard management. This vintage offers a unique opportunity to acquire wines that may surprise and delight as they mature.

Conclusion

The 2023 Bordeaux vintage stands as a testament to the resilience and expertise of Bordeaux winemakers. Despite facing a multitude of climatic challenges, the wines produced this year exhibit a fascinating complexity and promise. The en-primeur campaign has further highlighted the intrigue surrounding this vintage, offering a chance for enthusiasts and investors to secure these wines at an early stage.

As always, time will be the ultimate judge of the 2023 Bordeaux wines. However, early indications suggest that this vintage, born out of adversity, may well become one of the most talked-about and cherished in recent years. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a casual wine lover, the 2023 Bordeaux vintage is one to watch, savor, and enjoy.

Dutch Wine Apprentice on Bordeaux

Besides the 2023 vintage looking promising we have some more great news for Bordeaux lovers. Dutch Wine Apprentice will increase its coverage on Bordeaux starting the end of 2024. This will include partnerships and insights with, and from, leading figures in the Bordeaux wine scene. Be sure to follow us to stay up-to-date on this exciting development!

This article has been written by our own Niels Aarts, in collaboration with Dutch wine distributor and retailer Colaris, who has a focus on fine wines and Bordeaux in particular. If you are interested in the 2023 vintage, or other great Bordeaux vintages, be sure to check out their offering. Picture credits: Colaris and Dutch Wine Apprentice.