Bordeaux | 2023 vintage
Weather conditions
The year started with regular rainfall and average temperatures, preventing an overly early growing cycle and reducing frost risk. Conditions then turned humid and warm, with June seeing 50% more rain than usual and temperatures nearly three degrees above average. This created severe mildew pressure, particularly on Merlot.
July was dry and warm but lacked strong sunlight, slowing ripening. Conditions improved from mid-August with hot, dry, and sunny weather, allowing Cabernet Sauvignon to finish ripening under favourable conditions.
Harvest
The first Sauternes Sauvignon was harvested on 12th August, followed by Sémillon on the 14th. Merlot harvests began in early September, and most Cabernet Sauvignon was picked after 20th September.
Heavy rain in September encouraged botrytis development for sweet wines, followed by dry, hot conditions that concentrated the grapes. Harvesting began early to preserve acidity.
Profile of the wine
Dry white wines show strong aromatics and well-built acidity, offering structure and complexity with good ageing potential.
Red wines are generally lower in alcohol than recent vintages, with stable acidity, strong structure, and consistent colour. Gravel soils produced sturdy wines, clay soils fuller profiles, and clay-limestone terroirs mineral energy. The vintage stands out more for aromatic precision and balance than raw power.
Sweet wines are impressive, concentrated yet fresh, with strong ageing potential.
