Wine 1979 Bordeaux

The 1979 Bordeaux vintage offers a fascinating snapshot of a year that favored charm and elegance over power or longevity. Often overshadowed by more celebrated vintages, this lesser-known gem produced graceful, harmonious, and approachable wines in their youth. For wine lovers looking to purchase 1979 Bordeaux, this vintage represents a unique opportunity to explore a slice of Bordeaux history. Harvested from the beginning of October, the 1979 vintage resulted in a massive crop, one of the largest since 1934, producing wines that were well-priced at the time and remain a compelling value proposition today. Although not designed to last for decades, the finest bottles of this vintage, particularly those from regions such as Pomerol and Graves, demonstrate a finesse and balance that can still delight the palate. Whether you are a collector in search of a rare piece or a casual buyer intrigued by vintage wine notes, the 1979 Bordeaux wines bring a story of resilience and subtle beauty to every glass.

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1 in stock

Réf : 73083

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Level : Top Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Saint Julien

Du Glana 1979

€72.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€60.00 ex-VAT

-10%

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 61612

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Level : High shoulder

Robert Parker WA : 85/100

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Bordeaux | Saint Julien

Saint Pierre 1979 -10% DISCOUNT !

€129.60 inc-VAT per bottle €144.00 inc-VAT -10%

€108.00 ex-VAT

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 62251

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Level : High shoulder

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

L'Arrosée 1979 -10% DISCOUNT !

€96.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€80.00 ex-VAT

2 in stock

Réf : 85124

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

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Bordeaux | Margaux

Lascombes 1979

€180.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€150.00 ex-VAT

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 94327

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Troplong Mondot 1979

€90.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€75.00 ex-VAT

3 in stock

Réf : 94328

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Level : High shoulder

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Troplong Mondot 1979

€90.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€75.00 ex-VAT

5 in stock

Réf : 96142

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

Level : Very High Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Haut Médoc

Camensac 1979

€60.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€50.00 ex-VAT

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 96855

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

L'Arrosée 1979

€96.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€80.00 ex-VAT

11 in stock

Réf : 99938

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Level : Very High Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Haut Médoc

Camensac 1979

€60.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€50.00 ex-VAT

-10%

5 in stock

Réf : 99939

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Level : High shoulder

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Bordeaux | Haut Médoc

Camensac 1979 -10% DISCOUNT !

€54.00 inc-VAT per bottle €60.00 inc-VAT -10%

€45.00 ex-VAT

-10%

2 in stock

Réf : 111752

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Damaged

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Bordeaux | Saint Julien

Ducru Beaucaillou 1979 -10% DISCOUNT !

€140.40 inc-VAT per bottle €156.00 inc-VAT -10%

€117.00 ex-VAT

La Tour du Pin Figeac 1979 -10% DISCOUNT !

-10%

6 in stock

Réf : 122443

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Level : High shoulder

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

La Tour du Pin Figeac 1979 -10% DISCOUNT !

€54.00 inc-VAT per bottle €60.00 inc-VAT -10%

€45.00 ex-VAT

16 in stock

Réf : 122445

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Level : Very High Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Pomerol

Le Caillou 1979

€84.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€70.00 ex-VAT

8 in stock

Réf : 122446

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Level : High shoulder

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Bordeaux | Pomerol

Le Caillou 1979 -10% DISCOUNT !

€84.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€70.00 ex-VAT

1 in stock

Réf : 122447

Color : Red

Volume : 150cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

Level : Top Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Pomerol

Le Caillou 1979 Magnum

€168.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€140.00 ex-VAT

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 123281

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Level : Very High Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Grand Corbin Manuel 1979

€78.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€65.00 ex-VAT

2 in stock

Réf : 131784

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Very slightly damaged

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Faurie de Souchard 1979

€72.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€60.00 ex-VAT

Les autres millésimes de la décennie

Weather Conditions of the 1979 Vintage

The weather in 1979 played a crucial role in shaping the Bordeaux vintage, delivering a blend of challenges and blessings. The year began with a harsh, cold, and wet winter that dragged into early spring, delaying vine development. By mid-April, warmer temperatures finally woke the buds, only for a late cold snap at the end of the month to test their endurance. May marked a turning point with warmer, humid conditions, encouraging flowering around June 12 under near-ideal warmth. July continued this positive trend with stable, warm days, raising hopes of an exceptional vintage among winemakers. However, August disappointed with cooler-than-average temperatures that rarely topped 30°C, thereby slowing the ripening process of an exceptionally bountiful crop. Fortunately, the summer remained dry, with only six inches of rain between June and September, sparing the vines from rot. September delivered two brief spells of heat, accelerating grape maturity just in time for the harvest, which began on October 2 and concluded around October 24. Despite a rainy interruption on October 13, conditions favored an abundant harvest, producing 1979 Bordeaux wines that favor elegance over intensity.

Left Bank

On the Left Bank of Bordeaux, the 1979 vintage shines through its subtle refinement, particularly in appellations such as Graves and Margaux. Graves, also known as Pessac-Léognan, distinguished itself by earning an "Above Average to Excellent" rating of 88R in the Wine Advocate Vintage Guide. These wines, ready to drink now, offer a refined balance that reflects the region’s gravelly soils and meticulous craftsmanship. Buyers looking to acquire 1979 Bordeaux will find Graves wines that still deliver on their promise, with subtle fruit and a silky texture that make them delightful to enjoy immediately. Margaux, rated at 87R, also impresses with its graceful profile. Notable mentions such as Château Margaux and Kirwan reveal a vintage capable of charming, with floral notes and soft tannins that enrich the tasting experience. Other Left Bank appellations, such as St. Julien, Pauillac, and St. Estèphe, earned a solid 85R rating, offering harmonious wines that, while past their peak, retain a rustic appeal. For those exploring 1979 Bordeaux vintage options, Pauillac’s Pichon-Lalande stands out as a potential gem, marking the dawn of a new era under the leadership of Didier Cuvelier.

Right Bank

Bordeaux’s Right Bank truly stole the spotlight in 1979, with Pomerol leading the way as the crown jewel of this vintage. Rated "Above Average to Excellent" at 86R by The Wine Advocate, Pomerol produced some of the most memorable wines of the year, led by the exceptional Château Lafleur. This iconic wine, dubbed the "wine of the vintage", boasts a Robert Parker score of 98+, highlighting its depth, power, and lingering finesse. For collectors keen to buy 1979 Bordeaux, Lafleur is a rare prize that embodies the Right Bank’s triumph in this vintage. St. Emilion, rated at 84R, offers balanced wines with accessible fruit, though they lack the intensity of Pomerol’s stars. Staples such as Ausone surprise with their resilience, outpacing peers like Figeac in recent tastings. Even Pétrus, while lighter than usual, displays a poised elegance that appeals to lovers of subtle complexity. The Right Bank’s success in 1979 lies in its ability to translate the vintage’s massive yields into wines that remain delightful, making it a premier choice for Bordeaux wine enthusiasts today.

Sauternes: Sweet Wines of the 1979 Vintage

The sweet wines of Sauternes in 1979 present a mixed yet intriguing picture. Rated on average at 75R by The Wine Advocate, this vintage faced challenges with a late harvest starting in mid-October and heavy rainfall from October 23 onward diluting concentration. While not a great year for Sauternes, certain estates managed to produce enjoyable bottles that defy expectations. Wines like Yquem and Climens stand out, progressing gently with enough botrytized fruit to satisfy lovers of sweet Bordeaux wines. Unlike the exceptional 1971 or 1975 vintages, 1979 Sauternes lean toward modesty, offering a lighter and more accessible style. For buyers considering sweet wines from the 1979 Bordeaux vintage, these selections offer a chance to enjoy delicate sweetness without the richness and intensity of heavier years. While not a vintage to seek out exclusively, the best 1979 Sauternes remain a pleasant surprise for those who appreciate subtlety in their glass.

Critics' Reviews

When it comes to vintage wine ratings, the 1979 Bordeaux vintage garners high praise from Robert Parker and The Wine Advocate for its top performers. Château Lafleur leads the pack with an extraordinary score of 98+, attesting to its robust structure and enduring appeal. This Pomerol masterpiece is an absolute must-have for anyone seeking to purchase 1979 Bordeaux wines with pedigree. The Wine Advocate Vintage Guide also highlights the vintage’s strengths, awarding Graves an 88R rating and Margaux an 87R, both designated as "Above Average to Excellent" and ready to drink. Pomerol follows closely with 86R, while St. Julien, Pauillac, and St. Estèphe earn a respectable 85R, with St. Emilion rounding out the list at 84R. Even Sauternes, though less celebrated at 75R, offers hidden treasures for the curious buyer. These ratings underscore the vintage’s ability to deliver quality in specific areas, making 1979 Bordeaux a vintage well worth exploring for its standout stars and well-balanced offerings.

Why Buy 1979 Bordeaux Wines?

So, why buy 1979 Bordeaux wines? This vintage offers a captivating blend of history, value, and charm that appeals to both seasoned collectors and casual enthusiasts. Unlike more celebrated years, 1979 Bordeaux flew under the radar, producing wines initially offered at attractive prices that remain an affordable entry point into the world of vintage Bordeaux today. The remarkable Château Lafleur, with its near-perfect Parker score, is a collector’s dream, while the wines of Graves and Margaux provide immediate pleasure thanks to their refined profiles. For those seeking Bordeaux wines with character, the 1979 vintage delivers a graceful elegance that mirrors a year that was both challenging and rewarding. Its massive yield ensured a wide range of options, from the rustic pleasures of the Left Bank to the bold highlights of the Right Bank. Ready to drink now, these wines invite you to relive a moment in Bordeaux’s past without requiring additional cellaring. Whether you are building a collection or simply wishing to savor a piece of winemaking heritage, buying 1979 Bordeaux at the best price is a decision that promises satisfaction and discovery with every sip.