2024 Bordeaux Vintage Report
2024 Bordeaux vintage a fascinating example to study.
Weather statistics for 2024 Bordeaux Vintage Repor ttell an interesting story about climate and grape growing. This year’s weather statistics show clearly how this year’s unusual weather patterns shaped the quantity and quality of the 2024 Bordeaux wine production. The relationship between weather conditions and wine quality is a key focus, as each season’s behavior leaves a lasting impact on grape growth and, ultimately, the character of the wine.
Weather conditions always have a significant impact on the vineyards in Bordeaux. Factors like soil moisture, degree days, vine health, duration of ripening stages, and harvest quality are all connected to changes in weather. Grapes are very sensitive to these shifts, making the 2024 Bordeaux vintage a fascinating example to study. Most appropriately, one can focus on the total rainfall and temperature – degree days (in France, the total number of hours each day that the temperature exceeds 10˚ C (50˚ F), the average daily temperature, and the diurnal temperature variation (the number of degrees variation between the high temperature and the low temperature each day).
An help for viticulturists
These statistics are useful and helpful for viticulturists to measure the statistical ripeness of their fruit and to estimate the number of days between ripening stages and ultimately the potential harvest date. Ultimately, the only accurate assessment comes by examining and tasting the grapes as harvest nears.
2024 Bordeaux Vintage Report Overview
The Bordeaux climate is renowned for its nuanced weather patterns, which play a critical role in shaping the character of the wines produced each year. As explained above, other than extraordinary weather systems that bring the potential devastation of hail, frost, or freeze, most of what affects the final harvest is the rain that falls and the sun that shines throughout the year. It is important that each growing year starts with winter and dormancy. It is during the period of dormancy that the vineyard is rejuvenated, and the plans for the new vintage prepared.
Not a real Vine Dormancy
The winter months – January, February, and March – were mild in 2024 with an average daily temperature increase of between 1˚ and 2˚ . It was a mild, almost warm, winter. In addition, there were only 9 days of frost versus the annual average of 15 days. Frost allows the vine to become dormant during which the vine can rest and prepare for the next vintage.
That period of recovery did not happen in 2024. During the rest or dormant stage, the vines first shed their leaves allowing them to conserve energy. Then the vines transfer water from the exterior cells of the vine to the internal cellular system and stop the reception and the absorption of water. However, the root system continues to absorb nutrients ensuring the vine’s survival during the freezing winter months and the storage of energy. The vine stores starch, a raw sugar that the vine stocks in reserve that will be necessary in Spring when the vine resumes activity with bud burst. These steps avoid the presence of water in the plant cells that when frozen will burst the cells and damage the vine.
And also
The vine also ceases all photosynthesis activity forcing the dormant vines to survive on only the starch sugars stored in the roots, trunk, and branches. Vine sap ceases to flow. All above ground growth ceases. The cold of Winter allows the cessation of vital activity in every vine. It is a period of rest and quiet transformation. During this dormant period of vine inactivity, vineyard workers engage in essential tasks that ensure the health and productivity of the vineyard.
Pruning time
Perhaps the most important activity is pruning because it is essential for the vitality of the vines. Pruning sets the stage for the next vintage’s growing cycle. Most canes from the previous year are removed. However, some canes are selected from which new shoots will grow the following year. Pruning should happen before Spring, when the vines wake up, so that they do not lose their sap. Pruning is important because it shapes the vine for the next year. Pruning also manages the number of canes and buds. Canes are pruned according to the allowable number of buds. Each bud will produce a cane that will produce the allowable number of clusters to harvest.
Buds controlled by law
The Appellation Contrôlée strictly regulates and restricts the number of buds per hectare. Pruning also stimulates the vines so that when the warmer weather and sunshine arrives, the vines awaken to a new growth cycle. The replenishment is vital for the vines, preparing them for the burst of growth and fruit production that will come with the warmer months. So, as the vineyard appears dormant and still, it’s undergoing a period of critical preparation and care, setting the foundation for another fruitful year ahead.
2024 Bordeaux Vintage Report : 1/ normal Rainfall
As we already wrote : 2024 Bordeaux vintage a fascinating example to study. The Rainfall across Bordeaux was close to normal. Rainfall averages were down only between 2% and 10%. This is a normal annual variation. In all Appellations the amount of rain that fell in February and March was almost equal to those that fell in September and October. The rainfall during these 4 months accounted for almost 60% of the total annual rainfall. One-third of the months contributed close to 60% of the annual total.
Double gain for Saint-Émilion and Saint-Julien
Uniquely, Saint-Émilion and Saint-Julien experienced a significant increase in rainfall, not the pervading small decrease in all the other Appellations. Here, as in all the appellations, nearly 60% of the total annual rain fell in February and March, and in September and October. The difference in the rain totals was the consistency with which significant rainfall occurred throughout the year.
Saint-Émilion had significant rainfall in every month except July and August. Saint-Julien also enjoyed significant rainfall increases above normal in ten months with July and November being the exceptions. In total, Saint-Émilion and Saint-Julien had close to double their normal annual rainfall.
2024 Bordeaux Vintage Report :2/ Sun and Heat
The normal, average number of sunny days in Bordeaux is approximately 192. This total consists of 80 days of full sunshine and 112 days of partial sunshine. In 2024 the total number of sunny days was significantly lower, between 20% and 30% variations depending on the Appellation. This decline occurred in June and July when the sunshine promotes higher temperatures that aid in veraison. Here sunshine and heat work together to specifically ripen the grapes in the final months before harvest. What a 2024 Bordeaux Vintage Report.
July peak temperatures
In July peak temperatures hovered around 30˚ C, and in August, around 31˚ C. Although these temperatures are 2˚ to 3˚ higher than normal, they are 2˚ to 3˚ lower than the peak temperatures reached in the hottest vintages. The heat was high enough to create the water stress necessary to define character, but not extreme enough to dehydrate the vines. These moderate temperatures helped maintain vine health and helped to develop healthy fruit with well-balanced acid and sugar levels.
The moderate heat and sunshine provided a long, slow maturation period.
Slow maturation
Slow maturation increases the concentration of aromatics and the scents of flowers and fruits. Alternatively, slow ripening helps reduce the quantity of compounds responsible for the unpleasant green, vegetal aromas in red wines. In addition, slow ripening helped to increase the quantity of phenolic compounds responsible for color and mouthfeel. Slow ripening has many positive effects on red wine.
The Overall Effect of Rain, Sun, and Heat-2024 Bordeaux Vintage Report
Heavy rains and warmer weather provided the 2024 vintage with the best opportunity for happy vines and for excellent fruit. These are two of the best possible results from the first five months of 2024. Unfortunately, these weather conditions that offered exceptional possibilities for the 2024 vintage also provided the best weather conditions for the growth of molds and fungus. The warm days and cool nights with moisture in the air and damp soils below are the perfect environment for the growth and proliferation of both Powdery Mildew, a mold, and Oidium, a fungus.
Mildew and Oidium gain their access
Powdery Mildew and Oidium gain their access to the vineyard in different ways. Powdery Mildew results from spores prevalent in the soil and on surfaces that are in contact with the soil. Oidium exists in all wine regions of the world, and it can affect all varieties of vines. Vines are susceptible to infection based on their variety. The chance of Oidium and its spread are greatly increased by high humidity, mild temperatures, proximity of host plants, and the general health of the vines.
A fungal disease of downy mildew on grapes, the affected leaves.
Complicate sprayings
A real fascinating 2024 Bordeaux vintage to study There are treatments for both maladies, but the environmental effect is adverse, and the application is time consuming and labor intensive. The number of infections and the spread increase as weather conditions continue to favor their existence. In vineyards where the outbreak was significant, the result of both powdery mildew and oidium is regularly the same, the loss of both this year and the next year’s harvest, and in cases where there was late, slow, or nonexistent treatments, the death of the vine.
The winter of 2024 was notably wet
The winter of 2024 was notably wet, contributing significantly to the soil moisture levels across the region. This saturation provided an essential reservoir of water that would support vine growth during the dryer periods later in the year. Rainfall statistics from this period indicate a marked increase compared to previous years, underscoring the exceptional nature of winter.
An early budding
Early budding became a prominent feature due to these conditions. The combination of wet soils and relatively mild temperatures prompted an early start to the growing season for many grape varieties. While early budding can sometimes expose vines to late frost risks, it also offers potential benefits by extending the growing season, thus allowing grapes more time to develop aromatic and flavor complexities.
Over the past 25 years.
Temperature changes have been a defining aspect of Bordeaux’s climate over the past 25 years. Data shows a consistent trend towards warmer winters and springs, which has both positive and negative implications for viticulture. Warmer temperatures can enhance ripening processes but also bring challenges like increased disease pressure or unexpected growth patterns. Weather dynamics have a critical impact on quality, they determine wine quality and style.
Adapting the practices
As Bordeaux continues to experience dramatic weather shifts due to climate change, wine producers must adapt their practices to mitigate risks while capitalizing on opportunities presented by changing climatic conditions. The impact of such trends will undoubtedly be reflected in both current and future vintages, presenting unique challenges and possibilities for growers and consumers alike.
2024 Bordeaux vintage a fascinating example to study
This intricate relationship between climate and vine is what makes each vintage distinct, offering endless fascination for winemakers who strive to capture not only the essence of their terroir but also the imprint left by each season’s weather on their wines.
Mid-Spring to Summer Weather Challenges
The 2024 Bordeaux growing season experienced dramatic and unpredictable weather patterns, which posed several challenges for winemakers. The flowering conditions in April determined how well the fruit would develop. In some areas, fluctuating temperatures and rainfall disrupted the consistency of flowering, potentially impacting harvest quantity.
A significant mildew pressure
Grape disease. White grapes rot on the vine. Crop infected gray mold. Botrytis cinerea. Decay bunch hanging on the bush
During the summer months, vineyards faced significant mildew pressure, worsened by high humidity levels. This required careful management of the vineyards to prevent any potential harm to the grape clusters and to the vines. It was vital to effectively control mildew to protect the quality of the harvest and the overall health of the vines.
Hail incidents
Hail incidents added another layer of complexity, affecting vineyard health in certain areas. These unpredictable events caused severe, localized, physical damage to vines, leading to reduced yields and compromised grape quality. Damage was delivered on 18 May in Saint-Estèphe, on 17 June in the northern Médoc, and on 19 June in Fronsac and the Northern Médoc.
A need of flexibility
The Bordeaux climate this year highlighted the importance of flexible strategies as producers tackled these challenges to uphold their commitment to producing exceptional wines.
Late Summer Favorable Weather : the Conditions for Grape Ripening and Harvest
Excellent for Merlot and Cabernet
The dates when both Merlot and Cabernet grapes were harvested was exceptional. The Merlot grapes reached their peak ripening stage earlier in September, just before there was a short but significant rainfall. Historically these intermittent rains help improve grape freshness and flavor.
The volume and duration of these intermittent rains delayed the ripening of the Cabernet varieties. This delay benefited grape quality due to improved freshness and longer maturation periods allowing harvest when both the weather conditions and the grape quality were at their best.
2024 High expectations for Merlot Cabernets
High expectations
These good weather conditions contributed to expected quality characteristics such as better fruit concentration and well balanced acidity levels. This phase allowed for a harmonious development of flavors and aromas, setting high expectations among producers and wine lovers alike.
Some Regional Harvest Quality Assessment.
So, the 2024 Bordeaux vintage reveals a distinctive profile, primarily due to weather variations that influenced grape yield and quality. This year, yields experienced a noticeable reduction compared to previous seasons. Several factors contributed to this decline, including unpredictable weather patterns, molds and mildews, and challenges specific to certain grape varieties. However, all grapes and varieties achieved full ripeness.
Challenges for Merlot and Older Vines
Merlot grapes faced significant hurdles throughout the growing season. The combination of early budding and subsequent mildew threats placed stress on these vines, particularly affecting older plants with deeper root systems. These conditions resulted in lower yields, as older vines struggled to adapt to the rapid shifts in temperature and moisture levels.
Anticipated Outcomes for Cabernet Varieties
Cabernet varieties appeared more resilient this year, benefiting from the favorable ripening window from late June through August. This period helped maintain their robust character despite earlier near-drought challenges. However, the overall yield reduction still impacted these grapes, although not as severely as Merlot.
Different harvest conditions
In Saint-Estèphe and Margaux they harvested the Cabernet Sauvignon 11 October was the date when Cabernet Sauvignon grapes rained upon in late September and early October were ready to harvest with good ripeness and balanced acid and sugar levels. Indian summer was too late, too short, September and was wettest month in the last 30 years with rains with increases of 50 – 200% increases over normal rainfall. The week after the last of the Cabernet Sauvignon had come in, the torrential rains started up again, dropping between 60mm and 100mm before the end of the year. These rains helped get the 2025 vintage off to a good start. Those who had the patience, time, and money to wait until the October 11 date found fully ripened grapes, with well developed and complex flavors, deep colors, WITH abundant and complex polyphenols.
2024 Bordeaux Vintage Report : there are impacts on wine characteristics
Impact on Wine Characteristics
- Alcohol Levels: Compared to recent vintages, expected alcohol levels are slightly lower this year. The cooler temperatures during critical growth phases played a role in slowing sugar accumulation in grapes.
- Acidity: Higher acidity levels characterize this vintage, a direct outcome of the climatic conditions experienced. This increase in acidity is anticipated to influence taste profiles significantly.
Taste Profile and Consumer Reception
Higher acidity in wines often results in a fresher taste profile with sharper notes. Consumers might be intrigued by these characteristics, especially those who favor vibrant and crisp wines. While some connoisseurs may prefer the traditional warmth associated with Bordeaux wines, others may welcome this deviation as a refreshing change.
Greatly reduced yields
The 2024 Bordeaux Wine Weather and Vintage Report suggests that while yields were greatly reduced, between 25% and 45% the unique qualities of this vintage could appeal to a segment of wine enthusiasts looking for distinctiveness in their selections. As producers continue to navigate these challenges, consumers can expect an intriguing addition to their wine collections this year.
Stellar profiles ?
With the reduction in crop size and yield both the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon produced highly concentrated fruit with excellent ripeness. The flavor profile on the 2024 vintage should be stellar, without any dilution, and for those Châteaux who could afford the time, manpower, and money to successfully fight the downy mildew, the quantities are hardly affected.
Reminder for 2024
A reminder for any vintage : taste the wines carefully, read the reviews, and be choosy. This might be a vintage that can help fill openings and empty spaces in your cellar.
2024 Bordeaux Vintage Primeur Report :
Outlook for Viticulteurs, Winemakers, and Consumers
Implications for Viticulteurs
Grape growers faced complicated challenges due to unpredictable weather and production quantities. Winemakers have reported that volume is down from 5% to 30% depending on how efficiently growers managed mildew and oidium and how severe they were with sorting out rot. Growers had to adapt their strategies to maintain consistency while meeting changing weather and disease demands.
Implications for Winemakers
Winemakers needed to adopt innovative winemaking techniques to cope with grapes affected by climate, weather, and disease issues and variations that complicated yields and quality. As always quality and volume are related directly to the winemaker’s skill in sorting grapes before winemaking and then the skills in selecting batches to include in final blends.
Consumer Expectations
Wine enthusiasts may expect wines with unique flavors and higher acidity levels, which could influence purchasing trends and align consumer preferences with this vintage’s offerings. They will find lower alcohols and wines with greater drinkability as there is exceptional balance. Wines may not age for extended periods in the cellar, so consumers may find themselves buying more for immediate consumption.
Maitre de Cave Overall Assessment
As we have not yet tasted any of the wines from the vintage, we can say only that we expect great variation in quality. Exceptional quality was achievable, but those will need to be sorted during the Primeurs tastings. We look forward to the challenge, and, as always, we hope for the best. We taste without expectation, especially because this year we will be tasting many Châteaux for the first time en Primeurs.
Looking forward the 2024 Bordeaux tastings