1935

Weather conditions for the 1935 vintage

The weather in 1935 provided a dramatic backdrop for Bordeaux’s vintage. A cold March gave way to vine growth at the end of the month, before being tested by severe frost on April 3 and 4, one of the worst in decades. May brought cooler weather and a light frost, while June alternated between cool, rainy days and a late-month heatwave reaching 37°C. July and August reversed the trend with hot, dry conditions, raising hopes for concentrated wines. However, September changed everything, bringing humidity and a violent storm on the 3rd, followed by persistent rain that delayed the harvest until September 30. Despite these challenges, the sunny summer months laid the foundations for a vintage that Bordeaux wine lovers still celebrate for its tenacity and unexpected appeal.

Left Bank

On the Left Bank, Bordeaux’s 1935 vintage showed resilience in the face of adversity. The Médoc and Graves regions bore the full brunt of the April frost, with some estates losing up to three-quarters of their harvest. Yet the hot, dry summer enabled the surviving vines to produce a substantial yield of red wines of uneven but intriguing quality. These 1935 Bordeaux reds, though less celebrated than the preceding 1934 vintage, were praised for surpassing the disappointing offerings of 1931 and 1932. One notable example, Domaine de Chevalier 1935, impressed tasters with its drinkability decades later, suggesting the understated potential of this vintage. For collectors seeking Left Bank treasures, this vintage offers a unique insight into Bordeaux’s enduring spirit.

Right Bank

The Right Bank fared better in 1935, escaping the worst damage caused by the early frost that struck the Left Bank. However, a violent storm in September brought severe hail to Saint-Émilion, leaving the vines of estates such as Cheval Blanc badly battered. Despite this setback, Bordeaux’s 1935 Right Bank vintage produced an abundant harvest, with wines that held their own. The warm summer months gave these reds depth, making them a compelling choice for those exploring vintage wine ratings from this period. Buyers looking to acquire 1935 Right Bank Bordeaux will discover a vintage that combines abundance and character, testament to the region’s ability to thrive under pressure.

Sauternes: Sweet wines from the 1935 vintage

In Sauternes, the 1935 vintage gave rise to sweet wines that stand out as rare gems. The harvest began on September 25, after heavy rainfall of 90 mm in late August triggered botrytis, the noble rot essential to these sweet wines. Although the constant September rains tempered expectations after the brilliant 1934, Bordeaux’s 1935 sweet wines gained a reputation for being "rather good". Bottled just before the outbreak of war, these wines are now extremely rare, adding to their appeal. Tasting notes for a 1935 Filhot reveal a subtle, understated charm, making this vintage a delight for collectors seeking Bordeaux’s finest sweet wines.

Critics’ reviews

Contemporary critics offered measured yet optimistic views on Bordeaux’s 1935 vintage. Latour’s owner, the Comte de Beaumont, predicted that 1935 would one day occupy "a very honorable place" among connoisseurs’ favorites, a nod to its potential longevity. Comparisons with the 1922 vintage emerged, likely due to the favorable weather in July and August, which strengthened the wines’ structure. Although merchants noted slow sales amid lingering 1934 stocks and a post-Depression market, the vintage still outperformed its immediate predecessors. Modern tastings, such as that of the barely drinkable Domaine de Chevalier 1935, confirm its enduring appeal, earning it quiet applause among wine enthusiasts.

Why buy 1935 Bordeaux wines?

Why buy 1935 Bordeaux? This vintage offers a captivating blend of history, rarity and resilience that appeals to both collectors and casual enthusiasts. The abundant harvest means there is still a chance to acquire a bottle, while its uneven yet surprising quality makes it a talking point. For Sauternes lovers, the rare botrytis-affected sweet wines are unmissable. Left Bank reds bring a touch of courage and grace, while Right Bank offerings display a depth born of a tumultuous year. Perfect for gifting or enjoying, Bordeaux’s 1935 vintage offers a taste of a bygone era at a price that reflects its understated status. Buy 1935 Bordeaux today and discover a story of triumph over adversity.