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The vintage 2016 in Bordeaux

From problem child to top vintage

 

The weather conditions couldn’t be more fluctuating during the past year, thus constantly keeping us on tenterhooks. A closer look into the first six months and the following picture emerges:

-   The double precipitation rate fell compared to the long-term average
-   The winemakers fought permanently against mildew and other diseases
-   The constant moisture in the vineyards led to the rather pessimistic attitude of the winegrowers

Then, during the following four months to harvest, the picture suddenly changed:

-   The driest months in a long time followed
-   The sun was utmost good to the Bordeaux winemakers
-   The days were hot and dry, followed by cool nights which is extremely important for the freshness in the tannins. Persistent tropical nights lead to more fleshy wines.
-   Before the distress caused by the persistent drought could cause any more wrinkles in the faces of the winegrowers, the longed regular rain began in mid-September.
-   A calm weather with little rainfall ensured a relaxed, long-lasting harvest time. This was ideal for the late Cabernet. Only younger vines with not so deep roots had to contend with the drought.
-   The crop size was very big at the end

Based on the promising weather and the fact that Mother Nature was once again very generous to Bordeaux, we couldn't be more eager to be on the spot, get an idea of the wines and form an opinion. The anticipation was similar to this in 2015.

Weinkeller von Chateau Montrose

Chateau Montrose

 

Day 1: Arrival

We left Alsace at perfect spring weather and 8 hours later we arrived in Bordeaux – also under the best weather conditions.

We started with a friend of mine who is working for a trading company in Bordeaux. The first 40 wines were already waiting for us- a long journey, back or forth. The first impression was great and already trend-setting. Across the appellations the wines are fresh, complex and with very good depth. In the face of the upcoming Tour of Medoc the next day, our mood was even better than at the beginning.

Day 2: Northern left bank

As always, we started our tour on the Northern left bank with visiting Chateau Leoville Poyferre. After the tasting of various Leovilles and of Ducru Beaucaillou, we went further to the North, towards Pauillac and Saint Estephe.

Because of the perfect ripeness of the Cabernet grapes, the Northern of Medoc was unlike the year before that the best evaluated region from the very start. Many wines have wowed us. At the top are Mouton Rothschild, Cos d`Estournel, Pichon Baron, Pontet Canet and Calon Segur. Very nice and also regarding the expected price are Leoville Barton, Grand Puy Lacoste, Batailley and to our surprise Haut Bages Liberal. Also the „runner-ups“ from Saint Estephe, represented by wines like Haut Marbuzet, Phelan Segur, Lafon Rochet and Beau-Site, are in top shape.

Verkostung in Chateau Pontet Canet

With black teeth but in a good mood at Chateau Pontet Canet

Day 3: Southern Medoc and Pessac

After an impressive tasting marathon with more than 60 chateaux at Chateau Belgrave, we were able to taste one of the absolute highlights of this year's Primeur week - Chateau Margaux. An immaculate wine full of elegance, depth and length.

After another stunning tasting at Chateau La Mission Haut Brion, the day ended at Chateau Pape Clement, a stone’s throw away from the center of Bordeaux.

Besides Haut Brion, which is undeniably a great wine, Pape Clement and Haut Bailly are also two very nice reds in Pesssac. The white wines from Graves/Pessac also impressed us with their freshness and nice floral notes.

Day 4: Saint Emilion and Pomerol

Our last day was really busy from the very beginning. After the first tasting at Chateau Ausone, we went on with Cheval Blanc and Figeac. After these outstanding sensory impressions, it took a small break before our taste receptors could once again provide maximum performance.

The next great tastings followed in Pomerol. La Fleur Petrus, Trotanoy and La Conseillante are extraordinary but the true highlight in Pomerol is Vieux Chateau Certan. With its depth, complexity, length and freshness, this wine from the right side is the perfect counterpart to Margaux, on the left side of the bank.

This was followed by another exciting visits in St. Emilion and Pomerol. We tasted very nice, balanced and not over-extracted wines at Chateau Gazin, Clinet, Canon and la Dominique.

The day ended with a visit at Chateau Brun, a small Saint Emilion Grand Cru winery not far from St. Emilion, which has been family-owned for over 400 years. With their freshness, red berries and moderate alcohol level, the wines of Chateau Brun are our insider tip to you. Anyway, the wines of Chateau Brun will be subject to my next newsletter.

Axel Buess bei Verkostung in Chateau Pichon Comtesse

Conclusion:

Like the vintages 1989 & 1990 and 2009 & 2010, with 2015 & 2016 we will yet again have two great vintages in a row.

When it comes to elegance, depth and homogeneity, 2016 is definitely well ahead of 2015. Especially on the left bank, 2016 certainly is a great vintage- one that can be compared to the best vintages in the history of Bordeaux.

The campaign for en primeur 2016 is expected to start in the next couple of weeks and you can be sure that my web site is always up to date with the newest releases. If you can't find your personal favorites, do not hesitate to contact me. I will do my very best to find and offer them to you.

Kind regards,
Axel Buess