En Primeur Day One: First Impressions from St Julien and Pauillac
Bordeaux Index
15 April 2025
Our team in Bordeaux have just finished day one of the 2024 En Primeur tastings. They're bringing you all the insights, direct from the Châteaux.
After our first day in St Julien and Pauillac, there is no denying the challenges faced by vignerons in the 2024 vintage – but in spite of everything that Mother Nature could throw at these villages, there are some real gems.
The power of terroir to deal with extreme conditions has shone through with some estates producing miraculously good bottles. Mouton stands tall above most of what we tasted, with Pichon Baron, Pontet-Canet, Grand-Puy-Lacoste, and Lynch Bages all putting out strong wines in Pauillac. St Julien was more mixed, with Ducru-Beaucaillou leading the pack.
The whites, however, have been particularly impressive with Suduiraut’s dry wines standing out – we can’t wait to taste more of these.
Last night, we were privileged to have dinner at Château Margaux and Margaux was proclaimed wine of the day by us all, and both Pavillon wines were close behind.
Join us tomorrow for our thoughts on the rest of Margaux and St Estèphe.
With day one wrapped, it’s clear that while 2024 may not be the easiest vintage on paper, the best producers have found ways to deliver wines of elegance, balance, and even brilliance. We’ll be reporting back daily with insights, highlights, and honest reflections straight from the cellars of Bordeaux.