2021

Vintage Quality: Good

Current Status: To be aged

The 2021 Bordeaux vintage presented several challenges for Bordeaux winemakers, but thanks to careful viticultural practices and hard work, some very good wines were made. During the vintage, producers had to contend with frost, millerandage (poor fruit set), and mildew, and the geography of the vineyards proved key to the overall outcome, with the best locations producing some of the best results.

A mild and wet winter triggered early bud break, which was subsequently damaged by April frosts. A cool spring and rainy start to summer slowed growth and spread mildew, but warm and dry weather in August and early September promoted ripening. A cooler-than-average growing season meant low sugar levels, leading to measures such as chaptalization, but alcohol levels remain comparable to the 1980s. The harvest began in late September with Merlot and continued with Cabernet Sauvignon, all under the pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Preliminary reports suggest that the most successful wines came from the Médoc, where Cabernet Sauvignon predominates, with good acidity and fine tannins, promising aging potential. The production of excellent dry white wines also succeeded. Overall, yields were down by 5 to 10%, but careful selection ensured healthy fruit. The 2021 vintage also revived the traditional tastings organized by the Union des Grand Crus in Bordeaux.