Bordeaux En-Primeur 2023

The latest vintages from Bordeaux are expected to be released in the coming weeks. Many journalists and critics are yet to review the wines but we are pleased to confirm that 2023 should be a good one, however, it will be very different from 2022. The previous vintage was very opulent and intensely fruity. The wines in 2023 are deep, bright and vibrant and the liveliest red Bordeaux made in years. They are classic Bordeaux style.

In many ways, I like them better than many of the highly touted 2022s because they are so Bordeaux in their nature with their tensioned mouthfeels and energetic finishes. … They have the signature of Bordeaux. They make you salivate when you taste them. – James Suckling

Another good news is the abundance of the yields. More volumes combined with a difficult wine market should result in a price reduction.

The Growing Season

In Spring the dry and warm conditions meant the flowering was very good, resulting in excellent berry set and a generous grape crop in many places. The yields are particularly high in the Medoc compared with the right bank.

The summer was hot and dry with low rainfall rising the hydric stress. The rain came in September, but the month was mainly dry especially towards the end. A lot of vine growers mentioned an Indian Summer which was much welcomed. Those who harvested later were rewarded with grapes achieving optimum ripeness.

The Wines

Overall the wines are very good but there are a lot of variations within each appellation. Dry whites are excellent, with more freshness than 2022. The best reds are deep with concentrated ripe fruit and polished tannins well-balanced with the freshness. The main thing is the alcohol levels are lower, giving them a remarkable structure.

So far, St Emilion seems to have done particularly well. Its terroir rich in limestone responded very well to the hydric stress that took place over summer. Ch. Cheval Blc, Ch. Canon and Ch. Pavie Macquin are amongst the top favourites. We expect more news from the Medoc very soon.

What Price Shall We Expect?

Most winemakers seem to agree they will need to reduce prices for 2023. Last year’s backlash from the market is still felt by many wine merchants who are overstock with importers and wine sales are down in most key markets. Prices are expected to be lower than the 2022. A recent article in the drink business suggested a possible 35% decrease to regulate the market but no one knows yet and not all Chateau may wish to decrease their prices.

Overall, Top Bordeaux can look relatively good value when compared to other regions with small production of fine wines. They remain a benchmark of fine wines and, serious collectors are always keen to purchase wines directly from the estate. However, buyers can take their time. As stated in livex, "Bordeaux’s ability to produce in high volumes wines that age elegantly means that buyers have plenty to choose from".

High Scoring Bordeaux 2023

Château Montrose St. Estèphe – ‘I have not tasted a Montrose like this in 42 years of my career’ - 99-100 points James Suckling | 97-100 points Robert Parker
Château Cheval Blanc St. Emilion – ‘Reminds me of the great 1983’ - 98-99 points James Suckling | 98-100 points Robert Parker
Château Canon St. Emilion - ‘electric presence and length that goes on and on’ - 99-100 points James Suckling | 96-98 points Robert Parker
Château Lafleur Pomerol - 98-99 points James Suckling | 98-100 points Robert Parker
Château Les Carmes-Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan – ‘This is a fantastic wine and very, very exciting’ - 98-99 points James Suckling | 97-99 points Robert Parker
Château Cos d'Estournel St. Estèphe – ‘A renaissance of Cos’ - 98-99 points James Suckling | 95-96 points Robert Parker
Château Pétrus Pomerol - 99-100 points James Suckling | 97-99 points Robert Parker
Château Le Pin Pomerol - 99-100 points James Suckling | 94-95 points Robert Parker
Château Margaux Margaux - 99-100 points James Suckling | 95-97 points Robert Parker
Château Pavie St. Emilion - 99-100 points James Suckling
Château Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan - 98-99 points James Suckling | 95-97 points Robert Parker
Château Ausone St.-Emilion - 98-99 points James Suckling | 95-97 points Robert Parker
Château Hosanna Pomerol - 98-99 points James Suckling
Château Latour Pauillac - 98-99 points James Suckling
Château Mouton Rothschild Pauillac - 98-99 points James Suckling | 94-96 points Robert Parker
Château Pavie-Macquin St. Emilion - 98-99 points James Suckling
Château Pichon Longueville Lalande Pauillac - 98-99 points James Suckling

Many Chateaux will release their wines earlier this year and we expect to see the first available towards the end of the month. If you would like more information about the 2023 Bordeaux En Primeur campaign, please email info@petershamcellar.com