Bordeaux 2019 Vintage Conditions Close to Optimal, Fine+Rare Says

Growing conditions for the Bordeaux 2019 vintage were very close to optimal, according to University of Bordeaux Associate Professor for Oenology Axel Marchal, speaking on a webinar hosted by Decanter’s Jane Anson.

His comments were reported in a post on the website of London merchant Fine+Rare.

Chateau Pichon-Lalande. Photo: Guy Collins

Marchal said that in the best soils four out five conditions were met relating to fruit set, shoot growth, dryness during veraison and favorable harvest weather, with conditions during flowering partially met. Fine+Rare cited Nicolas Glumineau of Chateau Pichon-Lalande as saying while the Bordeaux 2018 vintage resembled the 2009 because of its opulence and expressiveness, the 2019 was closer to the landmark 2010 ‘with its tension and precision.’ The presentation to the wine trade of the 2019 vintage had been planned for the past week but had to be postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.