Burgundy | 2014 vintage
There were no major frost periods in the winter, and a mild and dry spring caused flowering to begin early. In Burgundy as well, the summer in 2014 was too cool and rainy, but thanks to the Indian summer some excellent grapes were harvested. A severe hailstorm battered the Côte de Beaune, drastically reducing entire vineyard parcels in Pommard and Meursault. Although the results are mixed, the vintage is of a high standard, especially for white wines but also for grand cru reds from the Côte de Nuits. After 74, 84, 94, and 2004, 2014 is the first vintage ending in 4 to favour Burgundy. Pinot Noirs were harvested with an alcohol potential of between 12 and 13 degrees (in best case scenarios). However, the wines have turned out to be ripe and perfectly balanced without the slightest trace of sharpness. These are delicate and very easy to drink wines. The Côte de Nuits grands crus are very impressive and the top Beaune reds are particularly elegant.
The standard for white wines is satisfactory. In Chablis, volumes were better than in previous years even though the region suffered from the uncertainties of the weather. September was the warmest month on record in 130 years. Winegrowers who were able to harvest early have produced superb ripe wines with a low pH. Those who waited too long on the other hand have produced wines lacking vivacity. In Beaune, white wines, especially grands crus protected from the hail storms, are magnificent. The most successful wines though are to be found at the vineyards that waited longer. White wines from the Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais regions have also been particularly successful.
