2020

Vintage Quality: Excellent (Legendary)

Current Status: Ready to drink, suitable for further aging

The 2020 Bordeaux vintage is excellent despite the Covid pandemic. Spring was warm and wet, ensuring early bud break. The summer was hot and dry, with some vineyards suffering from drought, but occasional showers brought relief. The Left Bank had more rain, and high temperatures created ideal conditions for mildew development. Some vineyards suffered damage and reduced yields.

The harvest was one of the unusual for Bordeaux, as it took place amid the chaos of Covid, and pickers had to be careful with sanitation and social distancing. It was also very early. The harvest began in mid-August for some dry white wines and crémants, with the harvest continuing into the fall, which was blessed with golden sunshine. September then brought warm days and cool nights, ideal for achieving the phenolic ripeness of the remaining grapes. Refreshing rain fell at the end of the month, but it wasn't enough to cause any major concerns.

Although the growing season experienced some rain, it was periods of drought that ultimately prevailed, concentrating the grapes and creating a crop with the potential to create rich, intense wines.

Although it is still too early to say exactly how the wines will develop, initial reports are positive, and critics are already praising both Merlot and Sémillon.

Overall yields were slightly lower than average, but the fruit was mostly healthy and of high quality. More time is needed to make a proper assessment, but the general consensus is that this could be another great vintage, even if it may not match the legendary ones.