1935

1935 Vintage Weather Conditions

The 1935 climate offered a dramatic backdrop for the Bordeaux 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 more coolness and a slight frost, while June alternated between cool and rainy days and a late-month heat wave reaching 37°C. July and August reversed the trend with hot and dry conditions, raising hopes for concentrated wines. However, September changed the game, introducing humidity and a violent storm on the 3rd, followed by persistent rains that delayed the harvest until September 30. Despite these trials, the sunny summer months laid the foundation for a vintage that Bordeaux wine enthusiasts still celebrate for its tenacity and unexpected appeal.

Left Bank

On the Left Bank, the 1935 Bordeaux vintage showed resilience in the face of adversity. The Médoc and Graves regions bore the brunt of the April frost, with some properties losing up to three-quarters of their harvest. Yet the hot, dry summer allowed 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 previous 1934 vintage, were praised for surpassing the disappointing offerings of 1931 and 1932. A striking example, the 1935 Domaine de Chevalier, impressed tasters with its drinkability decades later, suggesting the discreet potential of this vintage. For collectors seeking Left Bank treasures, this vintage offers a unique glimpse into Bordeaux's enduring spirit.

Right Bank

The Right Bank experienced a more clement fate in 1935, escaping the worst of the early frost damage that hit the Left Bank. However, a violent September storm brought severe hail to Saint-Émilion, leaving vines at properties like Cheval Blanc battered. Despite this setback, the 1935 Bordeaux vintage on the Right Bank produced an abundant harvest with wines that held their own. The hot summer months imparted depth to these reds, making them a compelling choice for those exploring vintage wine ratings from this period. Buyers wishing 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 birth to sweet wines that stand out as rare gems. The harvest began on September 25, after heavy late-August rain of 90 mm that triggered botrytis, the noble rot essential to these sweet wines. Although constant September rains tempered expectations after the brilliant 1934, the 1935 Bordeaux sweet wines acquired a reputation as "quite good". Bottled just before the outbreak of war, these wines are now extremely rare, adding to their appeal. Tasting notes from a 1935 Filhot reveal subtle and understated charm, making this vintage a delight for collectors seeking the finest Bordeaux sweet wines.

Critics' Reviews

Critics of the time offered measured but optimistic views on the 1935 Bordeaux vintage. Latour owner 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 benign July and August climate that reinforced 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 the barely drinkable 1935 Domaine de Chevalier, confirm its enduring appeal, earning it discreet 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 ensures there is still a chance to acquire a bottle, while its uneven but surprising quality makes it a conversation piece. For Sauternes lovers, the rare sweet wines marked by botrytis are unmissable. Left Bank reds bring a touch of courage and grace, while Right Bank offerings display depth born from a tumultuous year. Perfect for gifting or savoring, the 1935 Bordeaux vintage offers a taste of a bygone era at a price that reflects its discreet status. Buy 1935 Bordeaux today and discover a story of triumph over adversity.