Wine 1988 Bordeaux

The 1988 Bordeaux vintage bears witness to the region's ability to produce exceptional wines under conditions that were both challenging and ultimately rewarding. Often overshadowed by the celebrated 1989 and 1990 vintages, 1988 offers a unique appeal with its classic structure, firm tannins, and remarkable aging potential. This vintage is an underappreciated gem, offering elegance and longevity prized by wine lovers and collectors. From the robust reds of the Left Bank to the ripe and silky wines of the Right Bank, and through the sumptuous sweet wines of Sauternes and Barsac, the 1988 Bordeaux vintage displays consistent excellence across its appellations. With a harvest beginning on 28 September 1988, this year produced an abundant crop of wines in a classic style, ready to be enjoyed today, making it an enticing option for those wishing to purchase 1988 Bordeaux wines.

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Lalande Borie 1988 -5% DISCOUNT !
-10% by 6
-5% by 3
DISCOUNT
44 in stock
81063
Red
75cl
Slightly Damaged
87/100
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Julien

Lalande Borie 1988

€54.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€45.00 ex-VAT
Fieuzal 1988 -5% DISCOUNT !
-5%
30 in stock
81067
Red
75cl
Slightly Damaged
86/100
91/100
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Pessac Léognan

Fieuzal 1988 -5% DISCOUNT !

€62.70 inc-VAT per bottle €66.00 inc-VAT -5%
€52.25 ex-VAT
Haut Bages Libéral 1988
Last one !
1 in stock
86858
Red
75cl
Top Shoulder
88/100
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Pauillac

Haut Bages Libéral 1988

€66.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€55.00 ex-VAT
Ausone 1988
4 in stock
92768
Red
75cl
Very slightly damaged
85/100
16/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Ausone 1988

€450.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€375.00 ex-VAT
Fieuzal 1988 -5% DISCOUNT !
-5%
Last one !
1 in stock
94487
Red
75cl
Slightly Damaged
Top Shoulder
86/100
91/100
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Pessac Léognan

Fieuzal 1988 -5% DISCOUNT !

€62.70 inc-VAT per bottle €66.00 inc-VAT -5%
€52.25 ex-VAT
Haut Brion 1988
Last one !
1 in stock
109129
Red
75cl
Very slightly damaged
92/100
16.5/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Pessac Léognan

Haut Brion 1988

€456.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€380.00 ex-VAT
Branaire Ducru 1988
2 in stock
109774
Red
75cl
Very High Shoulder
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Julien

Branaire Ducru 1988

€72.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€60.00 ex-VAT
Troplong Mondot 1988
Last one !
1 in stock
110409
Red
75cl
90/100
16/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Troplong Mondot 1988

€156.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€130.00 ex-VAT
Beauséjour Bécot 1988 -5% DISCOUNT !
-5%
Last one !
1 in stock
110418
Red
75cl
Slightly Damaged
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Beauséjour Bécot 1988 -5% DISCOUNT !

€91.20 inc-VAT per bottle €96.00 inc-VAT -5%
€76.00 ex-VAT
Clos du Marquis 1988
2 in stock
117223
Red
75cl
Top Shoulder
85/100
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Julien

Clos du Marquis 1988

€54.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€45.00 ex-VAT
Bahans Haut Brion 1988
3 in stock
117234
Red
75cl
Very slightly damaged
Très Légèrement bas
85/100
88/100
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Pessac Léognan

Bahans Haut Brion 1988

€150.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€125.00 ex-VAT
Grand Mayne 1988
2 in stock
117899
Red
75cl
Slightly Damaged
Very High Shoulder
87/100
16/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Grand Mayne 1988

€66.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€55.00 ex-VAT
Camensac 1988
Last one !
1 in stock
121102
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Haut Médoc

Camensac 1988

€48.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€40.00 ex-VAT
Sociando Mallet 1988
Last one !
1 in stock
121817
Red
75cl
Very High Shoulder
87/100
91/100
16/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Haut Médoc

Sociando Mallet 1988

€54.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€45.00 ex-VAT
Cheval Blanc 1988 -5% DISCOUNT !
-5%
12 in stock
122081
Red
75cl
Slightly Damaged
88/100
18/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Cheval Blanc 1988 -5% DISCOUNT !

€541.50 inc-VAT per bottle €570.00 inc-VAT -5%
€451.25 ex-VAT
Clos Saint Martin 1988
11 in stock
122085
Red
75cl
Slightly Damaged
86/100
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Clos Saint Martin 1988

€72.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€60.00 ex-VAT
Haut Brion 1988
23 in stock
122106
Red
75cl
92/100
96/100
16.5/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Pessac Léognan

Haut Brion 1988

€456.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€380.00 ex-VAT
Château Margaux 1988 -5% DISCOUNT !
-5%
15 in stock
122116
Red
75cl
Slightly Damaged
93/100
16/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Margaux

Château Margaux 1988 -5% DISCOUNT !

€478.80 inc-VAT per bottle €504.00 inc-VAT -5%
€399.00 ex-VAT
Latour 1988 -5% DISCOUNT !
-5%
16 in stock
122119
Red
75cl
Slightly Damaged
91/100
96/100
18/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Pauillac

Latour 1988 -5% DISCOUNT !

€513.00 inc-VAT per bottle €540.00 inc-VAT -5%
€427.50 ex-VAT
Pavie 1988
4 in stock
122127
Red
75cl
Very slightly damaged
Top Shoulder
86/100
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Pavie 1988

€192.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€160.00 ex-VAT
Sociando Mallet 1988
17 in stock
122129
Red
75cl
Slightly Damaged
Very High Shoulder
87/100
91/100
16/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Haut Médoc

Sociando Mallet 1988

€54.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€45.00 ex-VAT
Magdelaine 1988
5 in stock
122135
Red
75cl
87/100
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Magdelaine 1988

€108.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€90.00 ex-VAT
Magdelaine 1988 -5% DISCOUNT !
-5%
3 in stock
122136
Red
75cl
Slightly Damaged
87/100
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Magdelaine 1988 -5% DISCOUNT !

€102.60 inc-VAT per bottle €108.00 inc-VAT -5%
€85.50 ex-VAT
La Grave a Pomerol 1988
1 in stock
122149
Red
75cl
Slightly Damaged
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Pomerol

La Grave a Pomerol 1988

€60.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€50.00 ex-VAT
Soutard 1988
11 in stock
122153
Red
75cl
Very slightly damaged
87/100
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Soutard 1988

€48.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€40.00 ex-VAT
Fiefs de Lagrange 1988
3 in stock
122162
Red
75cl
Slightly Damaged
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Julien

Fiefs de Lagrange 1988

€54.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€45.00 ex-VAT
Mouton Rothschild 1988
Last one !
1 in stock
122342
Red
75cl
Very High Shoulder
89/100
92/100
16/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Pauillac

Mouton Rothschild 1988

€474.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€395.00 ex-VAT
Canon 1988
Last one !
1 in stock
122366
Red
75cl
Very High Shoulder
87/100
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Canon 1988

€168.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€140.00 ex-VAT
Nénin 1988
5 in stock
122451
Red
75cl
High shoulder
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Pomerol

Nénin 1988

€96.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€80.00 ex-VAT
Chasse Spleen 1998
10 in stock
122128
Red
75cl
Slightly Damaged
Very High Shoulder
15/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Moulis en Médoc

Chasse Spleen 1988

€48.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€40.00 ex-VAT
Lagrange 1988
Last one !
1 in stock
123582
Red
75cl
86/100
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Julien

Lagrange 1988

€78.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€65.00 ex-VAT
Mission Haut Brion 1988
3 in stock
123701
Red
75cl
90/100
94/100
18/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Pessac Léognan

Mission Haut Brion 1988

€270.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€225.00 ex-VAT
Pavillon Rouge 1988
14 in stock
123714
Red
75cl
Slightly Damaged
Very High Shoulder
92/100
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Margaux

Pavillon Rouge 1988

€132.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€110.00 ex-VAT
Ferrand 1988
Last one !
1 in stock
124193
Red
75cl
Very slightly damaged
Very High Shoulder
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Pomerol

Ferrand 1988

€48.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€40.00 ex-VAT
Montrose 1988
1 in stock
125071
Red
75cl
Very slightly damaged
85/100
87/100
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Estèphe

Montrose 1988

€156.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€130.00 ex-VAT
Mouton Rothschild 1988
Last one !
1 in stock
125201
Red
75cl
Very slightly damaged
Very High Shoulder
89/100
92/100
16/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Pauillac

Mouton Rothschild 1988

€474.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€395.00 ex-VAT
Cos d'Estournel 1988
12 in stock
126433
Red
75cl
Original wood case - Sold by 12
96/100
95/100
18/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Estèphe

Cos d'Estournel 1988

€192.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€160.00 ex-VAT
Beychevelle 1988
12 in stock
126440
Red
75cl
Top Shoulder
Original wood case - Sold by 12
90/100
16/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Julien

Beychevelle 1988

€102.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€85.00 ex-VAT
Brane Cantenac 1988
12 in stock
126442
Red
75cl
Original wood case - Sold by 12
87/100
87/100
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Margaux

Brane Cantenac 1988

€78.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€65.00 ex-VAT
Palmer 1988
12 in stock
126443
Red
75cl
Original wood case - Sold by 12
88/100
90/100
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Margaux

Palmer 1988

€300.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€250.00 ex-VAT
Léoville Las Cases 1988
2 in stock
126450
Red
75cl
Top Shoulder
94/100
19/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Julien

Léoville Las Cases 1988

€186.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€155.00 ex-VAT
Grand Puy Lacoste 1988
12 in stock
126451
Red
75cl
Very slightly damaged
87/100
91/100
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Pauillac

Grand Puy Lacoste 1988

€96.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€80.00 ex-VAT
Ducru Beaucaillou 1988
12 in stock
126452
Red
75cl
Top Shoulder
89/100
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Julien

Ducru Beaucaillou 1988

€180.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€150.00 ex-VAT
Ausone 1988
11 in stock
126464
Red
75cl
Very slightly damaged
Top Shoulder
85/100
16/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Ausone 1988

€450.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€375.00 ex-VAT
Cheval Blanc 1988
5 in stock
126468
Red
75cl
Top Shoulder
88/100
18/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Saint Emilion

Cheval Blanc 1988

€570.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€475.00 ex-VAT
Haut Brion 1988
12 in stock
126469
Red
75cl
Original wood case - Sold by 12
92/100
96/100
16.5/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Pessac Léognan

Haut Brion 1988

€456.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€380.00 ex-VAT
Latour 1988
12 in stock
126470
Red
75cl
Original wood case - Sold by 12
91/100
96/100
18/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Pauillac

Latour 1988

€540.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€450.00 ex-VAT
Pétrus 1988 - PROMO -15% !
-15%
2 in stock
126473
Red
75cl
Very Damaged
Top Shoulder
91/100
95/100
16/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Pomerol

Pétrus 1988 - PROMO -15%!

€2,295.00 inc-VAT per bottle €2,700.00 inc-VAT -15%
€1,912.50 ex-VAT
Pétrus 1988 - PROMO -10% !
-10%
Last one !
1 in stock
126474
Red
75cl
Damaged
Very High Shoulder
91/100
95/100
16/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Pomerol

Pétrus 1988 - PROMO -10%!

€2,430.00 inc-VAT per bottle €2,700.00 inc-VAT -10%
€2,025.00 ex-VAT
Lafite Rothschild 1988
Last one !
1 in stock
126479
Red
75cl
Very High Shoulder
94/100
18/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Pauillac

Lafite Rothschild 1988

€648.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€540.00 ex-VAT
Lafite Rothschild 1988
5 in stock
126480
Red
75cl
Top Shoulder
94/100
18/20
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Pauillac

Lafite Rothschild 1988

€648.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€540.00 ex-VAT

1988 vintage weather conditions

The 1988 Bordeaux vintage unfolded in a context of variable weather that tested the resilience of the region's winemakers. A cold and wet winter gave way to an equally rainy spring, raising concerns about rot and delaying budbreak and flowering. The Left Bank, in particular, bore the brunt of this humidity, prompting producers to treat vines to protect against disease. However, summer marked a turning point, with hot and dry July and August months that stabilized grape ripening. August stood out with high temperatures, particularly in the Médoc, setting up an ideal pre-harvest period. September brought a mix of cool, dry days with intermittent rains, posing challenges for late-ripening varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon. On the Right Bank, Merlot thrived in these conditions, while on the Left Bank, some producers harvested early to avoid rot. Those who waited were rewarded, as a warm and dry late season ensured healthy and ripe grapes. This dynamic weather pattern shaped the 1988 Bordeaux vintage into a wine of structure and finesse, a hallmark of its enduring appeal.

Left Bank

Bordeaux's Left Bank in 1988 produced red wines that embody the classic style: firm, tannic, and designed for long aging. Regions like Médoc, Graves, and Pessac-Léognan distinguished themselves with wines featuring vibrant acidity, robust tannins, and concentrated fruit. Although the wet spring and September rains complicated full ripeness for Cabernet Sauvignon, the great estates handled it brilliantly. Château Margaux crafted a wine of elegance and complexity, with cedar notes and a supple palate, while Château Latour offered power and savory depth. Château Haut-Brion excelled with its balance and vegetal nuances, providing a refined expression of the vintage. Pessac-Léognan also stood out, producing dry whites of vibrant clarity, with ripe fruit and minerality. Château Smith Haut Lafitte and Château Pape Clément created whites promising further development in bottle, adding versatility to the Left Bank's 1988 portfolio. These wines, highly rated in vintage rankings, are ready to drink now, making them a compelling choice for anyone looking to buy 1988 Bordeaux from this iconic region.

Right Bank

On the Right Bank, the 1988 Bordeaux vintage found its rhythm with Merlot-dominated wines from Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. The hot and dry summer allowed Merlot to ripen beautifully, yielding wines with rich, ripe fruit, silky tannins, and aromatic complexity. Pomerol arguably led the way, with Château Pétrus offering understated finesse and Château La Conseillante delivering grace and depth. Château Cheval Blanc in Saint-Émilion impressed with its leathery and tertiary notes, while estates like Angélus and Figeac showcased the vintage's potential for both immediate pleasure and future development. Although Cabernet Franc was slightly slower to ripen compared to Merlot, Right Bank reds remain balanced and accessible, often surpassing their Left Bank counterparts in terms of approachability. Rated as above-average to excellent, these wines embody the charm of the 1988 Bordeaux vintage: subtle elegance that unfolds over time. For buyers seeking a Right Bank gem, this vintage offers a perfect blend of tradition and drinkability.

Sauternes: 1988 vintage sweet wines

The sweet wines of Sauternes and Barsac in 1988 are simply sublime, marking the first of a trilogy of legendary vintages for Bordeaux dessert wines. Ideal conditions for noble rot, triggered by September storms and nurtured by a warm and dry late season, produced wines of extraordinary richness and balance. Château d'Yquem dominated with an opulent and honeyed profile, its piquant vivacity still captivating decades later. Château Suduiraut and Château Coutet followed, with Coutet's Cuvée Madame earning a near-perfect rating of 98 for its botrytis-driven elegance. These wines display intense fruit, vibrant acidity, and luxurious texture, offering slow sophistication that promises long aging. Harvested late, from mid-October to December, the meticulous process ensured concentration and complexity. For those looking to buy 1988 Bordeaux sweet wines, Sauternes and Barsac offer hedonistic pleasure and aging capacity that elevate any collection.

Critics' reviews

The 1988 Bordeaux vintage received strong praise from Robert Parker and The Wine Advocate, cementing its status as a remarkable year. The Wine Advocate's Vintage Guide called Barsac and Sauternes extraordinary, with a rating of 98R, highlighting their rich botrytis-driven elegance and drinking availability. Coutet's Cuvée Madame reached a pinnacle with a rating of 99, testifying to its nearly flawless quality. On the Left Bank, Graves and Pessac-Léognan earned an 89R, reflecting their above-average to excellent reds and whites, while Margaux secured an 85R for its classic and accessible style. On the Right Bank, Pomerol and Saint-Émilion received 89R and 88R respectively, praised for their ripe fruit and silky textures. Saint-Julien, Pauillac, and Saint-Estèphe collectively received an 87R, recognized for their structured and age-worthy reds. Critics praise the vintage's consistency and longevity, with prestigious estates like Lafite Rothschild and La Mission Haut-Brion earning acclaim for their finesse and power. These vintage ratings underscore why 1988 Bordeaux remains a collector favorite.

Why buy 1988 Bordeaux wines?

There are countless reasons to buy 1988 Bordeaux wines, whether you're a seasoned collector or a casual enthusiast. This vintage offers a rare combination of immediate drinkability and long-term potential, making it versatile for any wine lover. The reds, with their firm structure and deep concentration, evoke legendary vintages like 1986 and 1975, promising continued evolution in bottle. The silky and accessible wines from the Right Bank provide instant satisfaction, while the robust offerings from the Left Bank reward patience. The sweet wines of Sauternes and Barsac, with their richness and elegance, rank among Bordeaux's finest, offering a luxurious treat for special occasions. Highly rated by experts like Robert Parker, these wines offer proven quality and prestige. To this day, they are ready to drink, making them an ideal purchase for immediate tasting or a gift for other wine enthusiasts. Buying 1988 Bordeaux means owning a piece of wine history, a vintage that balances tradition and accessibility, all at an attractive value. Don't miss the opportunity to add this classic to your cellar!

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