2017 Bordeaux En Primeur
The main talk during the Primeur tastings has been surrounding the frosts at the end of April and indeed overall in Bordeaux there has been a 40% reduction in yield. In some cases Chateaux have very tragically made no wine at all from 2017. The right bank areas were the worst hit including St Emilion and Pomerol, but it was contained to the flatter vineyards and the grander properties of the plateau came through relatively unscathed.
On the left bank, it was a different story and baring very isolated areas the main communes came through virtually un-effected. Indeed, in Pauillac yields have actually increased on 2016. Weather-wise, as well as missing the frost - May and June were remarkably similar to that of 2005, 2009 and 2010, all great vintages for Bordeaux. Some rain in September tempered the ripening just a little, leaving the wines fresher, cooler and less concentrated than previous years. Similarities in terms of retrospective vintages are always bandied around at this time of year; 2012 and 2014 seem to be the closest of the recent vintages, with Jean-Philippe Delmas from Ch. Haut Brion going a little further back likening it to 1988 for its freshness and acidity.
Market conditions continue to be tough for Bordeaux En Primeur with merchants and buyers calling for reductions in prices each and every year since 2011. However, in the current low-interest rate environment the Chateaux are less inclined to release large quantities to the market during En Primeur when instead they can release later and make a much higher margin.
2017 is a pretty, fresh, perfumed vintage and one that will be drinking almost certainly before 2015 and 2016. Think of it similar to the 1999’s and 2001’s, that have certainly been giving enormous drinking pleasure whilst the 2000’s and 2005’s wait patiently in the cellar to reveal their greatness.
If there are any particular Chateaux in which you are interested, then please do let me know and I will do my best to make sure a case is allocated to you. Or if you would like to discuss the vintage and upcoming releases further, please do give me a call Charlie Newman: 01394 44 66 46