Preview of 2023 Bordeaux Futures

Next week will start seeing offerings of Bordeaux's 2023 vintage, the annual tradition of Bordeaux futures. Here's a preview of this vintage from the Bordeaux Institute of Vine and Wine (ISVV).

Red Wines

  • Variability in Profiles: The red wines of 2023 are diverse, with some notable successes. Factors influencing this variability include regional thunderstorms, the diversity of soil types, and viticultural practices.
  • Lower Alcohol Levels: Compared to 2022, the red wines generally have slightly lower alcoholic degrees but maintain good acidity, beneficial for their balance.
  • Impact of Harvest Choices: The timing of the harvest and decisions made during vinification significantly influenced the quality. Merlot grapes, in particular, showed good color and fruitiness, reflecting their terroir authentically.
  • Soil Influence: The expression of red wines varied by soil type—more structured on gravel, fuller on clay, and bright and saline on clay-limestone.

White and Sweet Wines

  • Excellence in Whites: The conditions up to mid-August favored the production of exceptional dry white wines, with Sauvignon Blanc being particularly bright, fresh, and fleshy.

  • Success of Botrytized Grapes: The sweet wines of 2023 benefited from the hot, dry conditions of late September and early October, allowing for the harvest of concentrated botrytized grapes. These wines are noted for their aromatic richness, featuring candied fruit notes, and maintain a refreshing balance due to high acidity levels.

Overall, the 2023 vintage in Bordeaux is marked by its heterogeneity, particularly in red wines, and the exceptional quality of white and sweet wines. Each plot and cru require individual assessment to fully appreciate the nuances brought forth by the year's climatic and human factors​