In recent years, Bordeaux has weathered increasingly difficult growing conditions, but 2024 stands apart—for the sheer scale of its climatic challenges. This year has taken dérèglement climatique to new extremes, testing the limits of even the most seasoned producers.
A decade ago, a vintage shaped by such adversity might have been written off entirely. But Bordeaux, perhaps more than any other fine wine region, has evolved. Armed with cutting-edge technology, deep viticultural knowledge, and an unyielding spirit, producers are no longer merely reacting—they’re adapting. What was once unthinkable is now met with resolve and innovation.
The 2024 growing season in Bordeaux was defined by extremes—soaring spring temperatures followed by intense summer storms, then a sudden cool snap in early September. Vineyards from Saint-Émilion to the Médoc saw fluctuations that would have previously devastated yields. But growers have learned to read the vines like never before, adjusting pruning techniques, irrigation, and canopy management in real-time to safeguard both quantity and quality.
This resilience has been a long time in the making. Bordeaux has been investing heavily in research and development, with a new generation of oenologists and agronomists spearheading innovation. Drones, satellite imaging, and AI-driven weather forecasting are now common tools in many estates. These advancements have allowed Bordeaux’s winemakers to anticipate risks and tailor their responses vineyard by vineyard—sometimes even row by row.
Beyond technology, Bordeaux has also leaned into biodiversity and regenerative agriculture. More estates than ever are converting to organic or biodynamic farming, not just as a philosophy, but as a pragmatic strategy for building soil health and long-term vine resilience. Cover crops, reduced chemical inputs, and mixed farming systems are helping vineyards absorb climate stress more effectively than before.
The wines of 2024, while born of chaos, are expected to carry a remarkable signature. Early tastings suggest purity, freshness, and surprising balance in both red and white wines—a testament to the region’s ability to not just survive, but thrive, amid hardship. Bordeaux, long celebrated for its tradition, is proving that tradition and transformation can go hand in hand.
What does this mean for the future? Bordeaux is becoming a blueprint for other global wine regions facing similar threats. Its ability to marry heritage with high-tech solutions, and elegance with environmental responsibility, signals a promising path forward. In 2024, Bordeaux doesn’t just reflect a vintage—it reflects a movement.
2024 in Summary
This year marks the smallest harvest since 1991—but not simply due to low yields per hectare. Instead, it reflects a shrinking vineyard footprint across the region.
Revisiting the Five Pillars of a Classic Bordeaux Vintage
Traditionally, the success of a Bordeaux vintage was measured against five climatic benchmarks—outlined by Professor Axel Marchal and his team at the University of Bordeaux’s ISVV:
- Quick and even flowering and fruit set
- A warm, dry late spring and early summer to support even development
- Progressive summer water stress, peaking before véraison (color change)
- Consistent ripening through sustained photosynthesis, without vegetative rebound
- Dry, stable harvest conditions with moderate warmth and cool nights
In 2021, none of these conditions were met. In contrast, 2022 was a textbook. 2023 was a mosaic, partially aligned, partially unruly. As for 2024, the first three conditions were largely absent. The final two fared better, though not without localized exceptions.
But in Bordeaux, the story is never written in black and white. To judge this vintage solely by metrics is to miss the nuance. Numbers and weather charts provide a framework, but they can’t fully capture the complex interplay between nature, vine, and human hand. In many corners of Bordeaux, terroir, timing, and technical skills created small miracles, moments where the chaos aligned, and something exceptional emerged.
Reports from the ISVV, Gavin Quinney, Sovivins, consulting oenologists, and most importantly, the winemakers themselves, offer a multidimensional view. These voices speak not just of yields and alcohol levels, but of choices made at crucial junctures, such as when to harvest, how much to extract, and which plots to prioritize. This depth of decision-making, shaped by decades of experience and constant learning, underscores the sophistication of Bordeaux’s response.
What’s especially striking about Bordeaux in 2024 is the contrast between expectation and reality. Early forecasts were bleak, but on the ground, outcomes varied wildly, sometimes within the same appellation. A gravel terrace might produce vibrant Cabernet Sauvignon, while a neighboring clay slope struggled. It was a vintage where micro-decisions had macro impact, and where intuition proved just as vital as analytics.
In this sense, 2024 reminds us that Bordeaux is not a monolith. It is a patchwork of personalities, philosophies, and microclimates. Some producers leaned into risk, while others played it safe. The result is a vintage that defies generalization, a collection of individual stories woven into a broader narrative of resilience and refinement.
And therein lies its beauty. Bordeaux 2024 may not satisfy every metric of perfection, but it compels us to look deeper. It challenges us to move beyond vintage charts and embrace complexity. For collectors, critics, and connoisseurs alike, this is a year to explore, to listen, and to taste with curiosity.
Looking Ahead: The Bordeaux 2024 En Primeur Campaign
With global uncertainty and a reduced crop, the 2024 campaign will likely see modest allocations and a shift toward cautious pricing strategies. Estates that read the moment well—balancing ambition with accessibility—are poised to earn not just immediate interest but long-term loyalty.
Our team was on the ground during the tastings, and while this isn’t a vintage of universal success, it is one of remarkable resilience. Expect updates across our social media, blog, and newsletter as the campaign unfolds.
Interested in securing 2024 En Primeur wines for your cellar? Our Wine Advisors are here to guide you through the highlights and hidden gems.
Some Pictures straight from our Team’ tasing
