Wine 2019 Bordeaux

Weather Conditions of the 2019 Vintage

The journey to the stellar 2019 Bordeaux vintage began with a mild, dry winter that set the stage for an early budburst. Spring brought a mix of cool temperatures and wet conditions, with April and May testing growers with frosts that threatened yields in some areas. However, the damage remained minimal, and flowering occurred at its usual time, though unevenly due to lingering moisture. As summer arrived, the weather turned a corner. Late June ushered in a heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 35°C, followed by a scorching July that saw record-breaking sunshine. Two timely rainstorms in July provided much-needed relief to parched vines, ensuring steady ripening. August offered a respite with cooler nights, preserving acidity, while September’s light rainfall and warm days brought the grapes to phenolic perfection. The harvest unfolded smoothly from late August for whites to mid-October for reds, under ideal conditions. This harmonious blend of heat, sunshine, and strategic rain crafted the vibrant, fresh character that defines the 2019 Bordeaux vintage, making it a compelling option for wine lovers seeking quality and balance.

Left Bank

The Left Bank of Bordeaux shone brightly in 2019, producing wines that blend structure with elegance, earning high praise in vintage wine ratings. Appellations like Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, and Pessac-Léognan delivered standout performances. Margaux wines exude sophistication, with perfumed aromatics, silky tannins, and a poised acidity that promises excellent aging potential. Pauillac, a consistent star of the vintage, offers powerful yet refined reds, brimming with rich, dark fruit and velvety textures, ideal for long-term cellaring. Saint-Estèphe brings an approachable opulence, with brambly fruit, spice, and chocolate notes, balancing elegance with early-drinking appeal. Pessac-Léognan stands out for both its reds and whites, with reds showing alluring aromatics and plush fruit, while the dry whites charm with their refined freshness. The Left Bank’s gravelly soils and meticulous vineyard management mitigated the summer heat, resulting in wines with higher acidity and greater structure than the lush 2018 vintage. For those looking to buy 2019 Bordeaux, the Left Bank offers a treasure trove of classics that embody Bordeaux’s viticultural excellence.

Right Bank

On the Right Bank, the 2019 Bordeaux vintage dazzles with concentrated, flavor-packed wines that highlight the region’s Merlot-driven prowess. Pomerol and Saint-Émilion lead the charge, producing reds that ooze intensity and depth. Pomerol’s wines are rich and opulent, with brambly notes of plum, cherry, and spice, offering a spectrum from fresh elegance to heady abundance. The clay-rich soils here thrived in the dry conditions, yielding grapes with thick skins and bold flavors. Saint-Émilion, with its varied terroirs, presents a range of styles, from bright, perfumed elegance to hedonistic fruit-bombs, all wrapped in velvety tannins. Stars like Cheval Blanc and Figeac exemplify the vintage’s potential, earning top marks for their grace and complexity. The Right Bank’s ability to balance high alcohol levels with sophisticated tannins and aromatic purity makes these wines irresistible. Whether enjoyed young or cellared for decades, the Right Bank’s 2019 offerings are a must for anyone exploring Bordeaux wine online or in stores.

Sauternes : Sweet Wines of the 2019 Vintage

The sweet wines of Sauternes in the 2019 Bordeaux vintage are a golden triumph, born from a season that tested producers but rewarded their diligence. A hot, dry summer ripened the grapes fully, followed by heavy rains in late September and early October that sparked botrytis, the noble rot essential for these luscious wines. This resulted in pure, elegant flavors with a refreshing acidity that cuts through their opulence. Despite challenges like acid rot and low yields due to rigorous berry selection, the best Sauternes wines of 2019 shine with succulent richness and balance. The dry weather in August and early September delayed noble rot until October, concentrating the berries and enhancing their quality. Hand-harvested with precision, these wines offer a long finish and a vibrancy that sets them apart. For buyers seeking a luxurious addition to their collection, the 2019 Sauternes vintage delivers a rare and delightful experience, perfect for pairing with desserts or savoring solo.

Critic’s Reviews

The 2019 Bordeaux vintage has garnered stellar reviews, with Robert Parker ratings underscoring its exceptional quality. Château Cheval Blanc, Château Margaux, Lafite Rothschild, Lafleur, and Vieux Château Certan all earned a perfect 100, reflecting their unparalleled depth and finesse. Other standouts include La Conseillante and La Mission Haut-Brion at 99, and Latour at 99+, showcasing the vintage’s consistency and power. The Wine Advocate Vintage Guide further elevates 2019, rating Margaux, Pomerol, and Saint-Julien/Pauillac/Saint-Estèphe as extraordinary at 96T, with youthful tannins promising longevity. Saint-Émilion earns an outstanding 95T, while Barsac/Sauternes scores a 92E for its early-maturing sweet wines. Critics have lauded the vintage’s freshness and purity, with a January 2023 blind retasting crowning it the best of the past decade. These accolades make the 2019 Bordeaux vintage a top pick for collectors and enthusiasts searching for highly rated wines that deliver both immediate pleasure and future potential.

Why Buy 2019 Bordeaux Wines ?

There are countless reasons to buy 2019 Bordeaux wines, whether you’re building a cellar or seeking a bottle to enjoy now. This vintage marries richness with refinement, offering reds with concentrated fruit, firm yet ripe tannins, and a freshness that ensures longevity. The dry whites impress with their aromatic appeal and balanced acidity, while Sauternes’ sweet wines bring elegance and opulence to the table. With top scores from Robert Parker and glowing reviews from critics, the 2019 vintage stands as a modern classic, rivaling benchmarks like 2016. Its resilience against early frosts and summer heat highlights Bordeaux’s terroir and winemaking skill, resulting in wines of rare quality and limited availability. From the structured Left Bank to the lush Right Bank and the luxurious Sauternes, 2019 offers something for every palate. Don’t miss the chance to own a piece of this celebrated vintage, a beacon of Bordeaux’s enduring charm and viticultural brilliance.