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Wine 1978 Bordeaux

The 1978 Bordeaux vintage remains a legendary page in the history of winemaking, often celebrated as the "Miracle Vintage" by enthusiasts and critics alike. This remarkable year overcame a difficult start to deliver wines of elegance, depth, and character, making it one of the landmark vintages of the decade. For those wishing to purchase 1978 Bordeaux, this vintage tells a captivating story of resilience and triumph, with top-tier bottles showcasing the finesse and concentration that make Bordeaux wines world-renowned. From the fragrant brilliance of Pauillac to the fruity charm of Pomerol, the 1978 Bordeaux wines reflect a perfect harmony between the challenges of nature and the expertise of the winemakers.

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-5%

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 82389

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

Level : Very High Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Destieux 1978 - 5% DISCOUNT !

€82.08 inc-VAT per bottle €86.40 inc-VAT -5%

€68.40 ex-VAT

4 in stock

Réf : 89828

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Level : Top Shoulder

Robert Parker WA : 87/100

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Bordeaux | Pauillac

Forts de Latour 1978

€204.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€170.00 ex-VAT

3 in stock

Réf : 96253

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Level : Very High Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Corbin Michotte 1978

€180.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€150.00 ex-VAT

3 in stock

Réf : 99706

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Level : Very High Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

La Gaffelière 1978

€96.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€80.00 ex-VAT

22 in stock

Réf : 104249

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

Level : Very High Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac 1978

€78.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€65.00 ex-VAT

-5% by 3

DISCOUNT

22 in stock

Réf : 111632

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Damaged

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Cap de Mourlin 1978

€90.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€75.00 ex-VAT

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 117256

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

Robert Parker WA : 87/100

Wine Spectator : 91/100

Revue du Vin de France : 16/20

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Bordeaux | Saint Julien

Gruaud Larose 1978

€120.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€100.00 ex-VAT

-10%

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 123561

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Very slightly damaged

Level : High shoulder

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

La Gaffelière 1978 - PROMO -10% !

€81.00 inc-VAT per bottle €90.00 inc-VAT -10%

€67.50 ex-VAT

11 in stock

Réf : 123562

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Very slightly damaged

Level : Very High Shoulder

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Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

La Gaffelière 1978

€90.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€75.00 ex-VAT

Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 1978 - PROMO -10% !

-10%

Last one !

1 in stock

Réf : 124181

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

Level : High shoulder

Robert Parker WA : 92/100

Add to cart

Bordeaux | Pauillac

Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 1978 -10% DISCOUNT !

€183.60 inc-VAT per bottle €204.00 inc-VAT -10%

€153.00 ex-VAT

1 in stock

Réf : 127337

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Damaged

Level : Top Shoulder

Robert Parker WA : 90/100

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Bordeaux | Saint Julien

Léoville Las Cases 1978

€228.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€190.00 ex-VAT

1 in stock

Réf : 129017

Color : Red

Volume : 75cl

Label : Slightly Damaged

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Bordeaux | Pomerol

Franc Maillet 1978

€48.00 inc-VAT per bottle

€40.00 ex-VAT

Weather conditions of the 1978 vintage

The path to the exceptional 1978 Bordeaux vintage was not smooth, with weather conditions severely testing the determination of the region's winemakers. The year began with a cold and wet spring that delayed vine growth, leaving buds three weeks behind by late March. April offered little respite, with temperatures barely exceeding freezing, and May maintained this slow pace, with vines still fifteen days behind. June, marked as the coolest in 50 years, saw the first flowers appear ten days late, raising fears of another disappointing harvest after the unconvincing 1977 vintage. However, a spectacular turnaround began in July, when summer finally arrived with heat reaching up to 32°C. August offered cooler days and minimal rain, setting the stage for a transformative September. This Indian summer, with its sunny days and dry conditions, saved the vintage, accelerating maturation and ensuring phenolic ripeness. When harvest began in early October, starting around the 5th and peaking between the 8th and 9th, the fruit was ready for excellence. This late-season miracle earned 1978 its famous nickname and consolidated its status as an exceptional vintage, producing wines of remarkable concentration and balance.

Left Bank

The Left Bank of Bordeaux shone brilliantly in 1978, delivering some of the vintage's most iconic and enduring wines. In Graves and Pessac-Léognan, rated an impressive 88R by The Wine Advocate Vintage Guide, the wines proved rich and opulent, with stars like Château La Mission Haut-Brion earning a remarkable 97 from Robert Parker. This jewel, overflowing with black fruit and complexity, remains a vintage pinnacle, surpassing even its sibling, Château La Tour Haut-Brion, a hidden treasure for savvy buyers. Pauillac also excelled, offering wines with perfumed and ephemeral fruit, balanced by substantial body and aging potential. Châteaux like Latour and Lafite Rothschild produced solid examples, while Pichon Lalande offered excellence with its refined structure. Saint-Julien brought slightly fruitier expressions, with Ducru-Beaucaillou standing out as the best since 1970, blending freshness and tannic backbone. Margaux, rated 87R, contributed with elegant and classic wines, Château Margaux marking a new era of quality under new management. While Saint-Estèphe encountered challenges with harder and less generous fruit, the Left Bank's great names created 1978 Bordeaux wines that testify to the region's ability to thrive under pressure. For those looking to purchase 1978 Left Bank Bordeaux, these bottles offer a sophisticated blend of tradition and triumph.

Right Bank

On the Right Bank, the 1978 vintage revealed a different but equally captivating personality, with wines that proved accessible in their youth while displaying notable successes. Pomerol, rated 84R by The Wine Advocate, produced generous and fruity examples, with Château Lafleur offering a rustic yet captivating profile under the Robin sisters' direction. Vieux Château Certan and Trotanoy also impressed with robust and delicious expressions that delight the palate. Saint-Émilion, sharing the 84R rating, proved a particular highlight, with Château Pavie offering harmonious and leafy charm and Clos Fourtet providing pleasant depth despite its rough edges. While Pétrus appeared lighter and Cheval Blanc lacked its usual brilliance, the best Right Bank wines showcased vibrant fruity character that distinguishes them from their Left Bank counterparts. These 1978 Bordeaux wines from Pomerol and Saint-Émilion offer buyers a chance to discover the softer and more accessible side of the vintage, perfect for those who appreciate Bordeaux's diversity. With reduced yields but high quality, the best Right Bank wines from 1978 remain a compelling choice for any wine collection.

Sauternes: Sweet wines from the 1978 vintage

While the 1978 vintage is best known for its red wines, the sweet wines of Sauternes had a more difficult journey, earning a modest score of 75R in The Wine Advocate Vintage Guide. A dry summer and lack of rain from August to November hindered the development of botrytis, the noble rot essential to Sauternes' characteristic richness, leading to a late harvest that extended into December at estates like Yquem. Earlier coulure further reduced yields, and the resulting wines, while not disastrous, did not reach the heights of 1976. However, there were bright spots to explore for buyers interested in 1978 Bordeaux sweet wines. Climens offered a unique profile with freshness despite an unusual white chocolate note, while Rabaud-Promis displayed energy and vitality after decades in bottle. Though not the vintage's highlight, these Sauternes offer a rare glimpse of a difficult year, attracting collectors seeking to explore the full range of 1978 offerings. For those wishing to purchase 1978 Bordeaux from Sauternes, these wines bring subtle sweetness and historical intrigue to the table.

Critics' reviews

The 1978 Bordeaux vintage has garnered much praise from renowned critics, with Robert Parker and The Wine Advocate Vintage Guide offering valuable insights into its quality. Parker awarded an exceptional 97 to Château La Mission Haut-Brion, consolidating its status as the vintage's jewel, brimming with black fruit and complexity that surpasses even Château Haut-Brion. The Wine Advocate Vintage Guide further emphasizes the vintage's strengths, rating Graves and Pessac-Léognan at 88R for their above average to excellent quality, and Margaux at 87R for its classic elegance. Saint-Julien, Pauillac and Saint-Estèphe earned an 87C, with a caveat about age, while Pomerol and Saint-Émilion both scored 84R, reflecting their affordable yet impressive character. Critics like Harry Waugh dubbed 1978 the "Miracle Vintage", a nod to its spectacular recovery, while Clive Coates MW praised its commendable bottle maturation. These vintage ratings and expert endorsements strongly advocate for adding 1978 Bordeaux wines to any collection, offering buyers a chance to own a share of this celebrated year.

Why buy 1978 Bordeaux wines?

For wine enthusiasts and collectors, the allure of 1978 Bordeaux lies in its unique blend of history, quality and rarity. This vintage, saved by a perfect autumn, produced wines of remarkable concentration, with balanced tannins and vibrant acidity, earning its reputation as one of the decade's greatest. Whether you're drawn to the opulent richness of Graves, the perfumed elegance of Pauillac or the fruity charm of Pomerol, 1978 Bordeaux offers something for every taste. Top-performing châteaux like La Mission Haut-Brion, Latour and Margaux created bottles that embody the vintage's excellence, while hidden treasures like La Tour Haut-Brion and Pavie add intrigue for those ready to explore. Though many wines have passed their peak, the best examples still offer pleasure, making them ideal for special occasions or as sentimental gifts tied to 1978 milestones. Purchasing 1978 Bordeaux means owning a share of the "Miracle Vintage", a testament to nature's resilience and Bordeaux's craftsmanship. Available at competitive prices on our site, these wines promise an enriching experience for casual tasters and devoted connoisseurs alike. Don't miss your chance to purchase 1978 Bordeaux and savor a vintage that continues to captivate wine lovers around the world.