Wine 1987 Bordeaux

Weather Conditions of the 1987 Vintage

The 1987 growing season in Bordeaux was a roller coaster of climatic twists, testing the determination of the region's winemakers. Winter began with biting cold, with temperatures plunging to -18°C in some areas, ensuring deep dormancy for the vines. Spring arrived hesitantly, with cool and humid weather disrupting bud break and flowering, leading to uneven development across vineyards. Summer brought little relief, as July and August remained cooler and cloudier than usual, slowing grape maturation. However, hope emerged in September with a period of warm and dry weather, including a heat wave that saw temperatures climb to 37°C. This Indian summer raised expectations, encouraging the development of sugars and flavors in the grapes. Tragically, heavy rains struck in early October, just as harvesting began on October 1st, diluting part of the crop. Despite these setbacks, meticulous vineyard management and selective harvesting allowed producers to preserve quality, resulting in lighter but surprisingly elegant wines. For those intrigued by how nature shapes a vintage, Bordeaux 1987 wines tell a captivating story of perseverance.

Left Bank

On Bordeaux's Left Bank, the 1987 vintage produced red wines that embody finesse and accessibility, making them a delightful addition to any collection. In regions like Margaux, St. Julien, Pauillac and St. Estèphe, the wines tend toward a lighter profile with moderate tannins and vibrant acidity. This style lends itself to early drinking, offering a refreshing contrast to the robust structure of more acclaimed years. Prestigious estates such as Château Margaux and Château Latour crafted balanced wines with delicate complexity, presenting ripe red fruits and subtle herbaceous notes. In Graves and Pessac-Léognan, the vintage excelled, particularly with white wines brimming with freshness and precision. Château Smith Haut Lafitte and Château Pape Clément produced dry whites with crisp acidity, clear fruity flavors and a fine mineral touch, perfect for immediate drinking or short-term storage. For buyers seeking Left Bank treasures, the Bordeaux 1987 vintage offers elegant reds and remarkable whites that underscore the region's versatility.

Right Bank

The Right Bank shines as a hidden gem of the Bordeaux 1987 vintage, with Pomerol and Saint-Émilion delivering some of the most pleasant reds of the year. Here, the Merlot-dominated wines reveal ripe and sweet fruits and silky tannins, creating an easy-drinking character that appeals to a wide range of palates. Château Pétrus and Château La Conseillante stand out, producing bottles with fine elegance and underlying leafy notes that charm the senses. In Pomerol, the 1987 Le Pin offers a sophisticated surprise, its deceptive depth suggesting a touch of finesse reminiscent of Cabernet Franc. Château Cheval Blanc from Saint-Émilion also rises above the vintage's challenges, blending ripe fruits with a smooth texture that invites immediate appreciation. These Right Bank wines are ideal for those who appreciate a softer and fruitier Bordeaux experience without requiring prolonged aging. If you're looking to buy Bordeaux 1987 wines with character and accessibility, the Right Bank offerings are unmissable.

Sauternes: Sweet Wines of the 1987 Vintage

In Sauternes and Barsac, the 1987 vintage presented a delicate context for producing sweet wines, yet the results are discreetly impressive. Humid conditions hindered the widespread development of noble rot, essential for the botrytized wines characteristic of the region. However, selective harvesting by great estates such as Château d'Yquem and Château Suduiraut produced rich and balanced wines with honeyed fruits and crisp acidity. These sweet wines may lack the opulence of spectacular years, but their lighter and fresher style offers unique appeal. Sauternes 1987 bottles offer a harmonious blend of sweetness and liveliness, making them affordable now without requiring decades in the cellar. For buyers intrigued by the legacy of Bordeaux sweet wines, the 1987 vintage provides an affordable entry point into the world of Sauternes, showcasing the region's ability to adapt and succeed even in challenging conditions.

Critics' Reviews

The Wine Advocate Vintage Guide provides valuable insight into the Bordeaux 1987 vintage, offering ratings that highlight its strengths. For red wines, Pomerol receives an impressive score of 85C (Above Average to Excellent), signaling exceptional quality with a caveat that some bottles may now be past their peak. St. Julien, Pauillac and St. Estèphe follow closely with a score of 82R (Above Average to Excellent), marked as ready to drink with elegant appeal. Graves and Pessac-Léognan shine with a score of 84R, reflecting the success of reds and whites in this region, all ready for immediate tasting. Margaux receives a solid score of 76R (Average), offering pleasant and fruity wines for casual tasting. Saint-Émilion's score of 74C advises caution due to age, although the best examples retain their charm. In Barsac and Sauternes, an average score of 70R underscores the drinkability of sweet wines. These Robert Parker vintage ratings confirm that Bordeaux 1987 wines, while not built to last, offer immediate pleasure and value, making them a wise purchase today.

Why Buy Bordeaux 1987 Wines?

Why should you buy Bordeaux 1987 wines? This vintage offers a rare blend of history, accessibility and affordability that appeals to collectors and casual enthusiasts alike. For those celebrating a birth year or anniversary from 1987, these wines offer a meaningful connection to the past, with exceptional bottles like Château Mouton Rothschild 1987 adding collectible appeal as the last vintage made by Baron Philippe de Rothschild. Its label, featuring a dedication by his daughter, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, reinforces its sentimental value. Beyond nostalgia, the vintage's lighter and fruitier reds and crisp and elegant whites offer a refreshing alternative to heavier Bordeaux styles, perfect for accompanying a wide range of dishes or enjoying on their own. The Bordeaux 1987 vintage also reflects the region's resilience, showcasing the winemakers' craftsmanship who transformed a challenging year into a portfolio of drinkable and enjoyable wines. Priced more modestly than spectacular vintages, these bottles offer exceptional value without sacrificing Bordeaux prestige. Whether you're building a cellar or seeking a unique tasting experience, buying Bordeaux 1987 wines brings a piece of wine history to your table at a fraction of the cost of more celebrated years. Don't miss the opportunity to own a vintage that proves beauty can emerge from adversity. Explore our selection and buy Bordeaux 1987 at the best price today!