Bordeaux 2024: A Charming Vintage with Many Faces.
An Interview with Eric and Marianne de Bruijn of De Bruijn in Wijnen. By: Niels Aarts | Dutch Wine Apprentice.
The 2024 Bordeaux vintage is one that requires nuance. It’s not a bombastic top year, but it is a vintage full of charm, finesse, and most notably: significant diversity. We spoke with Eric and Marianne de Bruijn of De Bruijn in Wijnen, a household name in Dutch Bordeaux expertise for seven generations. Their knowledge, experience, and close connections with the châteaux make them valuable guides in navigating the complex and multifaceted landscape of Bordeaux 2024.
De Bruijn in Wijnen: Wine Runs in the Walls
De Bruijn in Wijnen is more than just a company; it’s a family legacy that dates back to the 18th century. Eric and Marianne now lead the business with great passion. Marianne, who spent over 13 years as a winemaker in Bordeaux, met Eric in the region — and together they’ve been building the wine merchant house with one mission: to bring the best of Bordeaux to the Netherlands.
Their approach is defined by deep knowledge, personal relationships with producers, and a sharp eye for quality and reliability. “We know who the winemakers are, who they hire as consultants, and what their philosophies are,” Eric and Marianne explain. That kind of background knowledge is crucial — especially in a complex year like 2024.
Vintage 2024: Charming, but Complex
When we spoke to them, Eric and Marianne had just returned from the En Primeur tastings in Bordeaux. Eric described the 2024 vintage as “charming”: a term that reflects honesty, approachability, and finesse. It’s not a grand year like 2016 or 2010, but rather a gastronomic vintage with wines that are earlier to drink and marked by a certain friendliness. Due to climatic challenges like local hailstorms and rainfall, the results are highly heterogeneous — even within the same appellation.
Regional Differences and the Importance of Terroir Knowledge
In 2024, the differences between terroirs — and between winemakers — are crucial. The winemaker’s expertise, harvest timing, and cellar decisions all significantly affect the final outcome. “You need to know who your partners are,” Eric emphasized, pointing to the importance of long-term relationships and insight into a producer’s philosophy.
Saint-Estèphe stood out positively, with wines displaying elegance and refinement. Château Cheval Blanc also demonstrated how precision in both vineyard and cellar pays off.
Another noteworthy development is the growing use of technology and precision viticulture. “February is now the most important month in the vineyard,” said Marianne. “Nature wakes up earlier, and you have to respond accordingly.”
The Future and Positioning of Bordeaux
Bordeaux is at a crossroads. The market has changed — with declining demand from China and rising competition from other wine regions. But the 2024 pricing presents an opportunity: many châteaux have lowered their prices, making top wines more accessible. “It’s a charm offensive,” said Marianne. Yet, Bordeaux’s image remains a challenge. “That’s what we’re here for,” Eric added with a smile. As importers, they see it as their role to tell Bordeaux’s story in an honest and engaging way.
Tasting: Roc de Cambes 2021
During our conversation, we tasted Roc de Cambes 2021 by the iconic winemaker François Mitjavile. Located in the Côtes de Bourg, this wine is known for its depth, elegance, and refinement. The 2021 is already inviting, with an explosive bouquet, ripe fruit, and freshness. “A wine that’s already approachable but also has great potential,” said Eric. It’s a sign of how Bordeaux is evolving: where once you had to wait decades, good wine today can deliver pleasure even in its youth.
Roc de Cambes is a wine that unites character and philosophy. Its low planting density, distinct terroir, and Mitjavile’s unconventional style create a unique profile that diverges from traditional Bordeaux expressions. “It’s a wine that moves you,” Marianne summarized.
Second Wines and Rising Stars
An eye-catching trend is the rising quality of second wines. Thanks to stricter selection and smaller volumes, many high-quality wines are now flowing into the ‘second label’ — often with attractive pricing. Wines such as La Sirène de Giscours, l’Hospitalet de Gazin, and the second wine of Château Haut-Bailly stood out in 2024. These second wines often offer an excellent introduction for those wanting to explore Bordeaux. They carry the style and precision of their ‘big brothers’ but are typically earlier-drinking and more affordably priced.
As for the first wines, standout performances included Château Montrose (Saint-Estèphe), Château Lafleur (Pomerol), Château Le Crock (Saint-Estèphe), Château Bélair-Monange (Saint-Émilion), and Château Haut-Bages Libéral (Pauillac). But there is plenty more to discover — all of the wines selected on the De Bruijn website have been thoroughly tasted and endorsed.
Investments and Innovation
In recent years, Bordeaux has seen significant investments. New techniques in the cellar, precision work in the vineyard, and a focus on terroir have led to more layered, precise, and elegant wines. Examples like Château Giscours and Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion show how targeted investments and craftsmanship can transform an estate.
Players like LVMH (Château d’Yquem and Château Cheval Blanc) and Chanel (Château Canon and Château Rauzan-Ségla) also contribute to Bordeaux’s modernization. Their entry brought not just capital but also fresh perspectives and innovative methods, injecting new energy into this traditional wine region.
Looking Ahead to 2025
While 2024 brings plenty of charm, all eyes are also on 2025. The growing season began steadily, without frost or excessive rain. If this pattern continues, 2025 could become a classically strong vintage. And with the lessons learned from 2024, Bordeaux is well prepared for the future.
“Everything ending in a five is good,” Eric joked, referring to iconic vintages like 1985, 1995, and 2005. Will 2025 join that list? Time will tell.
Conclusion
The 2024 vintage in Bordeaux is no blockbuster, but it offers wine lovers much to discover. It’s a year where knowledge, terroir, and craftsmanship make all the difference. Thanks to importers like De Bruijn in Wijnen, Dutch wine enthusiasts are better equipped to navigate this complex yet fascinating wine region.
Bordeaux, toujours Bordeaux — Santé!
This article was written on behalf of Dutch Wine Apprentice by Niels Aarts. We thank Eric and Marianne de Bruijn and De Bruijn in Wijnen for their collaboration on this piece. For more content on Bordeaux, stay tuned for our upcoming series: ‘Bordeaux’s Future in Fine Wine’.
