When Bordeaux sneezes, the wine world catches a cold. And right now, dear reader, it’s mid-sneeze.
The 2024 En Primeur campaign has rolled in like a slightly soggy vintage Land Rover — a little battered, a little charming, but mostly facing a serious uphill climb. Grapes had to battle downy mildew, dodgy weather, and more mud than a Glastonbury mosh pit. Meanwhile, wine merchants are limping into this campaign after two bruising years of falling prices.
In short: It’s a buyer’s market. But only if you play your cards right. And maybe wear wellies.
The Vintage: Grit, Guts, and Grapes
The 2024 growing season? Think “Survivor: Bordeaux Edition.” Rain pounded vineyards, mildew ran amok, and Merlot — the early bird of the vineyard — got walloped hardest. Estates with deep pockets (and even deeper patience) fared better, throwing armies of pickers, sorters, and vineyard workers into the fray.
By harvest, yields were down, wallets were lighter, but — miracle of miracles — some genuinely good wines emerged. Particularly if you’re a Cabernet Sauvignon fan. The reds are bright, fresh, aromatic, and lower in alcohol. The whites? Honestly, they’re the unsung heroes this year: zingy, crisp, and complex.
If you like your Bordeaux more Jane Austen than WWE — elegant, charming, maybe a bit reserved — you’ll find treasures here.
The Market: A Bordeaux Bonanza — But Only for the Bold
Let’s be honest: the fine wine market right now looks like the morning after a particularly wild dinner party. Prices are down, stockrooms are full, and cash flow is tighter than a pair of jeans post-Christmas.
En Primeur releases priced for the stratosphere have burned buyers in recent years. Not this time, shout the merchants. Lower prices or no dice!
Some châteaux have heeded the warning. Some… not so much.
First releases (looking at you, Pontet-Canet) trimmed a meagre 7–10% off last year’s prices — not nearly enough when back vintages (often better) sit dusty and discounted on the shelves.
Lesson here? If it’s not 30% cheaper, it’s probably not a bargain. Buyer beware.
Critical Reception: The Tale of Two Critics
If William Kelley (The Wine Advocate) were your wine buddy, he’d be that brutally honest friend: “Yeah mate, this one’s rough.” He called 2024 the weakest Bordeaux vintage in a decade, bemoaning dilute, tart wines that lacked spark.
Meanwhile, Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux) is the slightly more optimistic pal: “Look past the weather scars, and there’s beauty here!” She found finesse, freshness, and charm in some top wines, particularly from the Right Bank.
Whose palate do you trust? It depends on whether you like your Claret with a stern handshake or a gentle hug.
Where the Treasure Lies: What (and What Not) to Buy
If you’re investing — or even just filling the cellar — laser focus is needed.
🔄 Stick to the big guns. First Growths like Lafite, Mouton, and Cheval Blanc, if priced right, could offer rare good value.
🔄 Watch your price tags. The rule of thumb: 30% off last year’s price at minimum, or walk away.
🔄 Skip the second wines. With estates ruthlessly keeping their best fruit for the Grand Vin, second labels are likely thinner, simpler, and frankly not worth the gamble this year.
WineGuide101: Top 2024 Picks and Tips
| Wine | Critic Highlights | Purchase Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Château Lafite Rothschild | Elegant, fresh; 91-94 WA | Worth it if priced 30%+ lower than 2023 |
| Cheval Blanc | Among top-scoring reds; 94-96 WA | One of few “must-consider” if price is right |
| La Conseillante | Floral, vibrant; highly rated | Strong Right Bank pick; check critical consensus |
| Montrose | Structured, mineral; classic Claret | Good buy if priced below £1,000/12 |
| Canon | Fresh and pure; typical elegance | Seek 25-30% discount vs. 2023 |
| Les Carmes Haut-Brion | Top white and red; 93-96 WA | Highly recommended for fresh style lovers |
Pro tip: Check back vintages like 2019 or 2020 — often better and cheaper than 2024 futures.
Final Sip: Should You Dive In?
Bordeaux 2024 is a vintage for the wise, not the wild. It rewards patience, price discipline, and knowing when to simply swirl your glass and say “not this year, thanks.”
If you can snag top wines at the right price, there are hidden gems that might shine beautifully with a few years’ slumber. But if release prices don’t wow you? Walk away — the secondary market is offering some seriously tempting alternatives.
After all, wine should be a pleasure, not an investment gamble. 🍷
Cheers to smart sips and savvy shopping!
If you want the full research file, download it for free below.
Bordeaux 2024 En Primeur Analysis – Research File
