1933

1933 Vintage Weather Conditions

The 1933 growing season in Bordeaux was a true roller coaster ride, blending climatic challenges and fleeting opportunities. It began with icy cold in January, with temperatures dropping to -10°C, followed by frost threats in April that affected young buds. May brought destructive hailstorms, notably in Margaux, while violent winds during flowering disrupted vine development. June saw heavy rains, with a notable 50mm fall on the 15th, leading to coulure and millerandage that hit Merlot hard. July and August became scorching, with temperatures reaching 37°C, desiccating the vines and even burning some berries. Relief arrived with rain on September 6th, though accompanied by storms and hail in Graves and Barsac. The harvest began around September 22nd amid showers, but later pickings in early October yielded riper fruit. This dynamic weather shaped a vintage with lower yields but surprising quality, making the 1933 Bordeaux wines a fascinating study of nature's unpredictability.

Left Bank

On the Left Bank of Bordeaux, the 1933 vintage shines with its elegance and structure, particularly in regions like Margaux and Saint-Estèphe. The reds, crafted from classic blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, offer firm tannins and vibrant aromas of black fruits, often underscored by subtle earthy notes. Margaux produced some of the year's most remarkable wines, with its light yet aromatic profiles praised for their finesse. A bottle of Montrose 1933, tasted in 2016, revealed a Saint-Estèphe past its peak but still graceful, while a Cos d'Estournel 1933 tasted in 2018 directly at the château impressed with its enduring charm. These Left Bank treasures illustrate the vintage's ability to deliver robust and pleasant wines that defy expectations, making it a compelling choice for anyone wishing to buy Bordeaux 1933.

Right Bank

The Right Bank in 1933 produced wines of notable appeal, with Cheval Blanc standing out as a highlight of the vintage. Here, Merlot-dominated blends thrived despite the season's challenges, producing light-bodied and full-bodied reds with juicy elegance. Violent winds and uneven flowering tested the vines, but late summer warmth helped ripen the fruit, resulting in wines with good maturity and aromatic intensity. These Right Bank offerings are celebrated for their accessible charm and harmonious balance, appealing to both seasoned collectors and casual drinkers. For those exploring Bordeaux 1933 vintage ratings, the Right Bank's contributions, particularly from the great estates, underscore this year's potential to surprise and delight.

Sauternes: Sweet Wines of the 1933 Vintage

In Sauternes, the 1933 vintage experienced a more difficult journey, with disrupted flowering and a wet September diluting berry concentration. The harvest, beginning around September 20th, yielded sweet wines that struggled to achieve great complexity, with 157mm of rain preventing the dry period necessary for optimal richness. However, some bottles still offer elegance and harmony, with syrupy textures that please lovers of lighter sweet wines. Though not the strongest year for Sauternes, with examples like Suduiraut 1933 and Lafaurie-Peyraguey 1933 disappointing at tastings, the vintage's best efforts remain juicy and full, offering a unique contrast to the region's typically opulent profile. Sweet wine enthusiasts might find these rarities an intriguing addition when looking to buy Bordeaux 1933.

Critics' Reviews

Critics have long noted that the 1933 Bordeaux vintage is a discreet success, often exceeding modest expectations. Tasting notes from recent decades highlight its longevity, with a Cos d'Estournel 1933 described as a "pleasant surprise" in 2018, demonstrating the vintage's ability to age gracefully. The reds, particularly from Margaux and Cheval Blanc, receive praise for their light aromatic charm and robust structure, while Left Bank stars like Montrose prove the vintage's resilience. Though overshadowed by 1934, the 1933 Bordeaux wines are lauded as "quite satisfactory" and "better than the three previous vintages," offering a compelling narrative for collectors. Vintage ratings consistently position 1933 as a good, though irregular year, with hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Why Buy 1933 Bordeaux Wines?

Why choose the 1933 Bordeaux vintage? It's an opportunity to own a piece of history, a wine shaped by adversity yet brimming with character. These bottles offer light, pleasant reds with seductive aromas and rare elegance that appeals to both connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts. From structured Left Bank classics to harmonious Right Bank stars, the 1933 Bordeaux wines offer a unique tasting experience at excellent value. Perfect for special occasions or as a centerpiece in any collection, they embody the charm of a vintage that triumphed against all odds. Don't miss this opportunity, buy Bordeaux 1933 today and savor a forgotten treasure that continues to captivate nearly a century later.