Wine 1999 Bordeaux

Weather Conditions of the 1999 Vintage

The 1999 growing season in Bordeaux was anything but predictable, making the quality of the final wines all the more impressive. It began with a ferocious hurricane in late December 1998, with winds exceeding 120 miles per hour battering the region. While vines largely escaped damage, the tone was set for a year of dramatic weather shifts. A mild winter gave way to a warm, humid spring, requiring careful spraying to protect against rot. Flowering occurred early in late May and early June under favorable conditions, hinting at a promising harvest. Summer brought a mix of warm, dry days in June and July, followed by heavy rain in early August that swelled the grapes. A brief period of sunshine in late August offered hope, concentrating sugars and flavors, but September delivered a double blow: a devastating hailstorm on the 5th ravaged parts of Saint-Émilion, and persistent rain diluted yields across the region. Despite these challenges, producers who timed their harvests precisely and leveraged advanced oenology practices crafted wines of remarkable quality. This resilience makes the 1999 Bordeaux vintage a standout for those seeking unique, well-crafted wines.

Left Bank

The Left Bank of Bordeaux, encompassing the Médoc and Pessac-Léognan, shines brightly in the 1999 vintage, offering reds and whites of elegance and structure. The region benefited from fine weather holding until late September, allowing Cabernet Sauvignon to ripen before rains caused some dilution. These 1999 Bordeaux wines are characterized by fresh acidity, fine tannins, and vibrant fruit, drawing comparisons to the charming 1985 vintage. Château Margaux stands out with a magnificent wine, lauded for its balance and depth, while Château Latour and Château Haut-Brion deliver refined power and complexity. Château Palmer in Margaux also excels, producing a wine with early-drinking charm and the potential to rival even the 2000 vintage. In Pessac-Léognan, the dry whites, such as those from Château Smith Haut Lafitte and Château Pape Clément, impress with their aromatic freshness, crisp acidity, and mineral finesse. Ready to drink now yet capable of further evolution, these Left Bank selections make the 1999 Bordeaux vintage a compelling choice for buyers seeking quality and value.

Right Bank

On the Right Bank, Pomerol and Saint-Émilion produced some of the most delightful wines of the 1999 Bordeaux vintage, blending ripe fruit with silky textures. Despite a hailstorm that devastated parts of Saint-Émilion on September 5, producers who harvested early or escaped the worst of the damage crafted exceptional bottles. Château Pétrus in Pomerol leads the pack with a wine of supple fruit and aromatic complexity, while Château La Conseillante offers a silky, approachable profile. In Saint-Émilion, Château Ausone stands tall with a strong, character-driven wine that balances richness and finesse, reminiscent of the successful 1989 vintage. Château Cheval Blanc also shines, delivering elegance and moderate ageing potential. These Right Bank wines are perfect for those who value immediate pleasure paired with the promise of future rewards, making them a smart addition to any collection. When you buy 1999 Bordeaux from the Right Bank, you’re investing in wines that embody both resilience and reward.

Sauternes : Sweet Wines of the 1999 Vintage

The sweet wines of Sauternes and Barsac from the 1999 Bordeaux vintage are a triumph of selective harvesting and skillful winemaking. A challenging season saw uneven botrytis development, but producers who focused on the richest, earliest-picked grapes created wines of remarkable quality. These 1999 Bordeaux sweet wines boast intense honeyed fruit, bright acidity, and a luxurious, balanced profile, drawing parallels to the elegant 1988 vintage. Château d’Yquem reigns supreme with a sought-after wine that promises decades of development, while Château Suduiraut offers a dependable, age-worthy option with lush complexity. The scarcity of top-tier bottles, due to meticulous grape selection, enhances their allure for collectors and investors. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for years to come, these Sauternes wines elevate the 1999 vintage with their opulent charm and enduring appeal.

Critic’s Reviews

The Wine Advocate Vintage Guide provides glowing insights into the 1999 Bordeaux vintage, affirming its status as a year of above-average to excellent quality across key regions. Barsac and Sauternes earn an 88E rating, praised for early-maturing, accessible sweet wines. Graves and Pessac-Léognan score an 88R, with ready-to-drink reds and whites showcasing finesse. Margaux receives an 89R, reflecting its standout reds, while Pomerol and Saint-Émilion both achieve 88R, highlighting their approachable yet age-worthy profiles. The Médoc’s trio of Saint-Julien, Pauillac, and Saint-Estèphe also earns an 88R, with wines noted for their balance and potential. Robert Parker’s assessments echo this positivity, spotlighting Château Ausone and Château Palmer as top performers with charm and character. These vintage wine ratings underscore the 1999 Bordeaux vintage’s ability to deliver quality despite adversity, making it a worthy contender for your next purchase.

Why Buy 1999 Bordeaux Wines ?

There are countless reasons to buy 1999 Bordeaux wines today. First, their accessibility offers immediate drinking pleasure, perfect for casual enthusiasts and seasoned collectors alike. Reds from the Left Bank and Right Bank provide vibrant fruit and refined structure, while Sauternes’ sweet wines dazzle with honeyed richness. Second, the vintage’s moderate ageing potential ensures these wines will continue to evolve, offering value for those building a long-term portfolio. Compared to more hyped vintages like 2000, 1999 Bordeaux remains undervalued, delivering exceptional quality at a fraction of the cost. The scarcity of top bottles, driven by selective harvesting, adds exclusivity, boosting their appeal on the secondary market. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of Château Margaux, the power of Château Pétrus, or the luxury of Château d’Yquem, the 1999 Bordeaux vintage blends tradition with opportunity. Add these wines to your collection today and savor the rewards of a year that defied the odds with grace and distinction.

Explore our curated selection and purchase Bordeaux 1999 at the best price now. Elevate your wine experience with a vintage that proves Bordeaux’s brilliance shines even in the face of challenge.