2024 Bordeaux En Primeur – Vintage Report

Bordeaux 2024: A Vintage of Clarity and Harmony – but Price All Important

Having just returned from a week on the ground, tasting across both banks, the story of Bordeaux 2024 is one of nuance, contrast, and careful decision-making. But it is also a vintage marked by a struggle—both in the vineyard and in the cellar. There is charm here, yes, and some wines are genuinely attractive in a lighter style than the 2 preceding vintages.  But intriguingly, and perhaps counterintuitively, there remains the possibility of it being an interesting vintage to invest in IF -and only IF the Bordelais play ball on price.

Some wines may appeal for earlier drinking, but we must be clear: 2024 was an almighty battle. Any elegance or poise in the glass was hard-won, and there is little of the power, structure, or grandeur found in the better years. Without a pricing rethink from the Bordelais, the campaign may struggle to gain traction.

Those seeking a neat vintage summary may struggle. Bordeaux is vast and generalisations are rarely helpful. Yet if pushed, we’d say 2024 favours finesse over flamboyance. There is none of the solar power or sheer richness of 2022; instead, many wines show balance, freshness, and a sense of lightness. Alcohols are lower, with many châteaux resorting to chaptalisation to reach even moderate levels.

2024 began with a record-wet winter, leading to an early and irregular budburst. Flowering occurred early and under relatively good conditions, which in some cases created very generous potential yields. That potential, however, was severely curtailed by persistent mildew through June and July, which wreaked havoc across Merlot in particular. Yields were devastatingly low—the lowest since 1991 in many cases—and in practice, actual quantities bottled will be lower still, as much fruit was eliminated at the sorting table or by high-tech triage systems. For reference, Palmer reported 22 hl/ha; Margaux, more fortunate, managed around 40 hl/ha—but both are far below long-term averages.

Late July brought hail in places, compounding the pressure. August and early September were warm but not extreme, and the rains of 20th September were a defining point. Early pickers, especially for whites and some Merlots, brought in healthy fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon, however, required nerve, timing, and money—investment in people, sorting, and vineyard management made the difference between mediocrity and something more poised.

Top terroirs held the advantage. Chalk and limestone soils in St-Émilion, such as those at Canon, helped preserve freshness. On the Left Bank, gravelly soils enabled quick drainage. But only châteaux with the financial ability to implement intensive selection and vineyard work could capitalise.

2024 is not a blockbuster, but nor is it a disaster. At their best, the wines are fragrant, light, and charming in a classical style. The most successful show purity, brightness, and moderate alcohols (13–13.5%). Right Bank Merlot, where it survived, gives soft, supple fruit. Left Bank Cabernet is often elegant and classically structured. Wines from Pauillac, St-Julien, and St-Estèphe stood out, as did several from limestone-rich sites in St-Émilion.

Dry whites are excellent—bright, crisp, and full of energy. Sauternes also enjoyed a successful vintage, with noble rot developing steadily in October.

There’s already a whisper of 2008 or 2014 comparisons, and we think that’s broadly accurate—but the vintage required even more intervention. Alexandre Thienpont of Vieux Château Certan likened it to a modern 1988. Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate noted some wines as “elegant and quietly expressive.” Collectively, critics agree that the wines are light, lower in alcohol, and not built for the long haul—but may offer early enjoyment.

The market into which this vintage enters is fragile. Prices across the fine wine world have fallen. Asia’s demand has waned. Global inflation and interest rates are biting. And there is still unsold 2021 and 2022 stock in Bordeaux.

Yet therein may lie the opportunity. Historically, the top-performing Bordeaux investments haven’t come from the grand vintages, but from the modest ones priced correctly. Think of Lafite 2002 released at £680 per dozen or Mouton 2008 at just over £1,000—versus 2009 and 2010 wines released at ten times the price. If the Bordelais are brave enough to cut prices—real cuts, as we saw in 2019—this could yet be a sleeper success. But if not, 2024 risks being another forgettable En Primeur season.

At Brunswick, we intend to be super-selective. Only wines that we believe offer genuine pedigree and value will be recommended. This is not a vintage for broad-brush enthusiasm. It is one that rewards detail, precision, and critical thinking.

There is clarity and charm in some 2024s—but there is also fragility, and a pressing need for Bordeaux to re-engage with its drinkers and collectors. This is a time for humility, not hubris.

We’ll be sharing detailed notes and selections as releases begin. In the meantime, please reach out if you would like early advice or to discuss pre-campaign allocations.

Kenny Stewart, Director and Fine Wine Buyer