1940

The 1940 vintage of Bordeaux stands as a testament to resilience and quality in the face of adversity. Produced during a tumultuous period in history, this vintage comes from a region under pressure, yet it yielded wines of surprising elegance and charm. Despite challenges such as a shortage of labour and the impacts of war, the 1940 Bordeaux vintage offers a remarkable snapshot of a growing season that defied all predictions. Wine lovers in search of a piece of history will find the 1940 Bordeaux vintage captivating for its rarity and the unique story behind each bottle. With a harvest beginning in late September and producing wines of notable quality, this vintage remains a treasure for collectors and a conversation piece for any cellar.

Read more
See more
Filters

Price

€420.00 - €440.00

Appellation

Vintage

Volume

Parker WA rating

No choice available on this group

Burghound rating

No choice available on this group

Revue du Vin de France rating

No choice available on this group

Bettane & Desseauve rating

No choice available on this group

Prices drop

No choice available on this group

Download this list
There is 1 product.
Download this list
  • Name, A to Z
  • Name, Z to A
  • Price, low to high
  • Price, high to low
  • By quantity
  • Latest Arrivals
Lafaurie Peyraguey 1940
Last one !
1 in stock
110175
White
75cl
Mid Shoulder
Add to cart
Bordeaux | Sauternes

Lafaurie Peyraguey 1940

€420.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€350.00 ex-VAT

Weather conditions for the 1940 vintage

The 1940 growing season in Bordeaux unfolded against a backdrop of unpredictable weather, but it ultimately favored the vines. January brought biting cold, the harshest since 1917 according to historical records, posing an early challenge. By late February, springlike mildness encouraged early bud swelling, although chilly weather in March and April slowed progress, with temperatures near freezing. Milder conditions arrived in mid-May, coinciding with the first flowers in late May, and full bloom peaked on June 7 under warm, pleasant skies. July brought a risk of mildew with its changeable weather, but August turned things around, bringing temperatures as high as 31°C (88°F) and dry days that set the stage for ripening. September maintained that warmth, allowing grape pickers to begin around midmonth, with the main harvest starting on September 26. Although October brought gloomy weather to close the season, favorable conditions in August ensured that the 1940 Bordeaux vintage retained its promise, making it essential to consider in wine vintage ratings.

Left Bank

On Bordeaux’s Left Bank, the 1940 vintage shines with an understated grace that reflects its difficult beginnings. The Médoc, despite the occupation and occasional destruction, produced wines with delicate structure and surprising freshness. One notable example is the 1940 Pichon-Lalande, which revealed a sorbet-like vibrancy decades later, demonstrating the vintage’s potential to age gracefully. Harvest began around September 17 at estates such as Montrose, and although yields were modest because of labor shortages, the quality impressed early tasters as soon as November. Warm August days concentrated the flavors, lending these wines a subtle richness that appeals to those buying 1940 Bordeaux for its historical significance. Although few bottles survive today, the Left Bank wines of this vintage carry a legacy of perseverance, perfect for Bordeaux wine collectors seeking a rare gem.

Right Bank

Bordeaux’s Right Bank produced wines in 1940 that, while not destined for long-term aging, intrigue with their historical context and fleeting charm. Pomerol and Saint-Émilion saw significant purchases, with millions of bottles from this vintage, suggesting its initial appeal. The 1940 Clinet, for example, remains a curiosity, offering a glimpse of the region’s winemakers’ resilience. Full flowering in early June under warm conditions laid a solid foundation, and dry weather in September helped ripen the grapes, although mildew in July reduced yields. These Right Bank wines tend toward lighter, more delicate profiles, making them a unique addition to any collection of 1940 Bordeaux bottles. For buyers exploring wine vintage ratings, that year’s Right Bank production is a fascinating chapter in Bordeaux’s storied history.

Sauternes: Sweet wines of the 1940 vintage

In Sauternes, the 1940 vintage tells a story of promise tempered by nature’s whims. The first picking passes in late September suggested concentrated sweetness, supported by the warm, dry conditions of late summer. Persistent rain throughout October, however, dashed hopes of a substantial yield, resulting in limited production of these coveted sweet wines. What was produced, such as the 1940 Suduiraut, clings tenaciously to life, offering a delicate balance that intrigues Bordeaux wine lovers. The cold, wet end to the season prevented noble rot from fully developing, but the surviving bottles possess a haunting beauty. For those looking to buy 1940 Bordeaux, that year’s Sauternes wines are a rarity, embodying the vintage’s ability to triumph over adversity.

Critical reviews

Critics and historians have praised the 1940 Bordeaux vintage for its unexpected quality. The Tastet-Lawton archives express satisfaction with the wines, noting their promise despite the disruptions of war. Early tastings in November 1940 revealed surprising depth, thanks to August’s warmth, while some Left Bank reds, such as Pichon-Lalande, drew praise for their ethereal freshness years later. The Right Bank’s Clinet, though faded, remains a point of curiosity, and Sauternes’ Suduiraut has been praised for its stubborn endurance. In wine vintage ratings, 1940 Bordeaux earns its place as a remarkable anomaly, blending historical significance with genuine drinking pleasure. These observations make it a compelling choice for anyone looking to buy 1940 Bordeaux wines.

Why buy 1940 Bordeaux wines?

Why choose the 1940 Bordeaux vintage? It’s a rare opportunity to own a piece of wine history, made under extraordinary circumstances yet brimming with character. These wines, from elegant Left Bank reds to delicate Right Bank offerings and rare Sauternes, offer a taste of resilience and rarity that few vintages can match. Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts, 1940 Bordeaux wines bring a story to every glass, while their limited availability only adds to their appeal. Whether you’re drawn to their surprising freshness, historical intrigue, or the singularity of a wartime vintage, buying 1940 Bordeaux means securing a treasure that stands apart. Explore our selection and buy 1940 Bordeaux at the best price today, adding a legendary vintage to your collection.

WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT US

5 good reasons to buy wines on V&M

...

EXPRESS DELIVERY

In a secure polystyrene packaging

...

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

Find out more about VAT-EX sale for outside EU deliveries

...

COLLECTION NEAR PARIS & VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS

Free collection in our warehouse near central Paris (92)

...