Bordeaux En Primeur

The Brilliance of Bordeaux: Terroir takes Centre Stage 

The success of the wines in 2023 is a testament to the advances both viticulturally speaking as well as in the cellar. The best 2023s are brilliant - in every sense of the word! At its apogee this is a vintage of terroir transparent wines that privileged the best locations, that rewarded vigilance, and that repaid risk. Master of Wine and Bordeaux Buyer, Robert Mathias shares his thoughts on the 2023 vintage.

Having tasted around 200 wines last week, quality exceeded expectations – there were some truly remarkable wines made in 2023. It is difficult to generalise and pigeonhole this vintage into a previous mould. However, there are some consistent themes to draw out. It could almost be called neo-classical in style. It combines the elegance, freshness, and supple profile of more historic vintages, but brought into greater clarity, focus and intensity than ever before.

Some standout observations from the Bordeaux En Primeur 2023 Report:

- A vintage which privileged the best terroirs, rewarded vigilance, and repaid risk

- With classicism at its core, the wines were epitomised by vibrant acidity and moderate alcohol

- The delivery of decades of investment and development in the vineyard and the cellar

- Hope of a rejuvenation of the en primeur system, with a clear reason to buy