Jim, Judith and I spent last week tasting the 2014 Bordeaux en primeurs. As we await the prices here are a few of my initial thoughts:
- This is the best Bordeaux vintage since 2010.
- Most comparable in quality to 2008.
- “fraicheur” was a term which cropped up again and again.
- Dull, cool weather in July and August were followed by a stunning September and October, so an Indian Summer saved the day.
- Quality not uniform so you need to select your chateaux carefully.
- Left Bank: Excellent Cabernet Sauvignon so those who have a firm Cabernet base and who harvested carefully have made excellent wines – hence St Estèphe and Pauillac performed well, St Julien and Margaux more variable.
- Right Bank: Cabernet Franc generally did better than Merlot so those with a high proportion stood out.
- Pomerol generally disappointing when you take out the top properties.
- St Emilion variable.
- It is all down to price so let’s hope we get a “ bonne relation qualité prix”.
We expect to have the full offer available in June.
Jane Boyce MW
