2017

Vintage Quality: Good

Current Status: Ready to drink, suitable for further aging

The 2017 Bordeaux vintage was variable, but some good wines were produced.

Winter was warmer, January extremely cold and dry. A warm spring encouraged early budding, but extreme frosts in late April severely damaged the new vine growth. May brought sun and warm weather, leading to successful flowering. June was hot, with some vines suffering from heat stress; rains at the end of the month were welcome. July was cloudy, warm, and dry. A cooler August helped the grapes retain acidity and fresh fruit character.

September rains caused dilution of Merlot and Cabernet Franc berries. Most of the red grape harvest took place at the end of the month. The resulting wines were well-balanced with a strong fruit character, red wines had a higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon and lower alcohol content.

On the Right Bank, April frosts severely damaged some appellations, but vineyards on higher slopes thrived. Pomerol and Saint-Émilion were mixed, with some producers not making any wine, while others created great wines.

The Left Bank was less affected by frost, but the northern appellations suffered from September rains and diseases. Nevertheless, some great red wines were made, especially from the appellations of Pauillac, Saint-Julien, and Saint-Estèphe. The year was surprisingly good for dry white wines, particularly Domaine de Chevalier in Pessac-Léognan thrived.

The 2017 Bordeaux vintage is not legendary, but some good to very good wines were produced, and it's important to know where to look. Most wines are suitable for short to medium-term drinking.