Wine 1962 Bordeaux

Weather conditions for the 1962 vintage

The 1962 growing season in Bordeaux unfolded with a mix of challenges and successes, ultimately shaping a vintage defined by its warm, dry character. The year began with a rainy and unusually mild January, followed by a cold spell from February to mid-March that kept temperatures just above freezing. This delayed the vines’ growth cycle, leaving them three weeks behind by April. Warm spells in early May finally spurred development, although unsettled weather slowed progress. Flowering began in June, with the first blossoms observed at Mouton Rothschild on June 8. A warm, sunny July, with temperatures reaching 34°C on July 24, accelerated ripening, although hailstorms caused localized damage in areas such as Margaux and Côtes de Blaye. August brought intense heat and drought, putting the vines under water stress. This lack of water became the defining feature of the 1962 Bordeaux vintage, halting sugar accumulation in the grapes. The heat wave continued into September, with temperatures climbing into the 30s, until timely rain on September 25 revived the thirsty vines. Harvest began on October 1 and was briefly interrupted by a storm in the Médoc before milder conditions allowed it to conclude around October 22. In Sauternes, late rains triggered botrytis, ensuring an exceptional result for the sweet wines. This distinctive weather pattern created a vintage of charm and quality, perfect for those exploring 1962 Bordeaux wine.

Left Bank

On the Left Bank of Bordeaux, the 1962 vintage produced wines of elegance and surprising longevity, demonstrating the region’s ability to thrive under challenging conditions. In Pauillac, Château Latour emerged as a star, often hailed as the wine of the vintage for its early richness, almost reminiscent of the Right Bank, and its exceptional balance. Tasted recently, it remains a must-try, drawing praise from critics and enthusiasts alike. Mouton Rothschild also excelled, offering a wine of remarkable quality that rivals its 1961 counterpart, with a rounded, charming profile that is hard to resist. Lafite Rothschild impressed with its radiant finesse, while Haut-Brion offered a refined experience, its complexity leading tasters to believe it was much younger. Saint-Julien’s Ducru-Beaucaillou shone with vibrancy; one bottle was once described as chasing away melancholy with its playful character. In Margaux, Château Margaux was less consistent, but Palmer and Pichon Baron offered fleshy pleasures with minty accents. Batailley and Lynch-Bages in Pauillac also shone, with sensual, powerful expressions that matched or even surpassed their 1961 counterparts. These Left Bank treasures make the 1962 Bordeaux vintage essential for anyone looking to buy 1962 Bordeaux wines with depth and personality.

Right Bank

The Right Bank of Bordeaux produced wines of balance, elegance and understated brilliance in 1962—often overlooked, but every bit as impressive. Latour à Pomerol stands out as a stunning highlight, its balance and finesse earning it 97 points from Robert Parker. Rarely seen today, it remains a collector's dream. Château Cheval White and Petrus also delivered exceptional quality, their generous yields producing wines that are both approachable and worthy of aging. Vieux Château Certan charmed with its lively grace, while Lafleur captivated with an enchanting bouquet of roasted chestnuts after nearly 50 years. Despite a hint of cork taint in some bottles, Trotanoy showed resilience and charm after half a century. These Right Bank gems reflect the vintage's ability to produce harmonious, long-lasting wines. For those looking to buy 1962 Right Bank Bordeaux, these offerings represent a rare opportunity to own a piece of Bordeaux wine history, combining approachability with sophistication.

Sauternes: Sweet wines from the 1962 vintage

The 1962 vintage proved to be a golden year for Sauternes, rivaling the decade’s finest thanks to its abundant, high-quality sweet wines. Château d’Yquem led the way, earning a perfect 100-point score from Robert Parker for its rich, concentrated profile, thanks to a late harvest that extended into mid-November. The hot, dry summer, followed by light rain in September, created ideal conditions for noble rot, allowing botrytis to develop beautifully. This combination of warmth and timely moisture yielded wines of exceptional balance and depth. Beyond d’Yquem, Climens, Coutet, Rieussec and Suduiraut produced superb Sauternes, each offering lush sweetness that still drinks beautifully today. The vintage’s generous harvest exceeded even the famed 1967 Sauternes in volume, making 1962 essential for sweet wine lovers. For those looking to buy 1962 Sauternes from Bordeaux, these bottles promise an indulgent experience that highlights the vintage’s overlooked brilliance.

Critic reviews

Robert Parker's ratings underscore the excellence of the 1962 Bordeaux vintage, with top scores awarded to its finest wines. Château d'Yquem's perfect 100-point score celebrates its status as a Sauternes masterpiece, while Latour à Pomerol's 97 points confirm its Right Bank elegance and power. Critics have long praised Château Latour as the pinnacle of the vintage, its bold yet refined character earning acclaim from seasoned tasters. Mouton Rothschild has also drawn high praise, with Tastet-Lawton comparing it to the legendary 1924 for its charm and structure. The Wine Advocate and other experts note that, although 1962 Bordeaux was overshadowed by 1961, it offers a compelling alternative with its approachable style and aging potential. Wines such as Cheval White, Petrus and Haut-Brion further strengthen the vintage's reputation, appealing to those seeking reviews of vintage wines. These glowing reviews make a strong case for adding 1962 Bordeaux to any collection.

Why buy 1962 Bordeaux wines?

The 1962 Bordeaux vintage has a particular appeal that makes it an irresistible choice for wine lovers and collectors. Its charming, rounded profile offers immediate pleasure, while its proven ability to age gracefully ensures that it remains a treasure decades later. Often underestimated because of the exceptional 1961 vintage, 1962 Bordeaux offers outstanding quality at prices that have historically been more accessible than those of its peers, making it excellent value. From the robust elegance of Left Bank stars like Latour and Mouton Rothschild to the poised finesse of Right Bank beauties like Latour à Pomerol and the sumptuous sweetness of Sauternes such as d’Yquem, this vintage spans a range of styles to satisfy every palate. Critics and tasters consistently highlight its overlooked brilliance, with bottles frequently exceeding expectations. Whether you are a seasoned collector seeking a rare find or an occasional buyer eager to explore Bordeaux wine history, buying 1962 Bordeaux promises a rewarding experience. These wines capture a moment when nature and craftsmanship aligned to create something truly special, ready to grace your table or cellar today. Don’t miss the chance to own a piece of this forgotten gem; buy 1962 Bordeaux at the best price and savor its timeless appeal.