Market Update: Wine Advocate’s Verdict on the Challenging Bordeaux 2024
I will always strive to keep you informed about the latest developments in the fine wine world. Recently, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate released William Kelley’s much-anticipated Bordeaux En Primeur report for the 2024 vintage, titled ‘Ripeness is All’, and the assessment paints a challenging picture.
A Difficult Vintage Overall
According to Kelley’s report published on April 24th, 2025, the 2024 vintage in Bordeaux faced significant hurdles. A difficult growing season, marked by heavy rains during critical periods (March-May and September) and subsequent mildew pressure, resulted in a small crop and, in Kelley’s view, “few compelling wines”. He describes many 2024 reds as potentially “dilute, herbaceous and tart,” deeming it the weakest vintage overall in the past decade.
The challenges weren’t limited to red wines. The report notes that many dry whites also suffered, exhibiting “incomplete maturity, vegetal aromas, shrill acidity and dilution,” although standout exceptions exist.
Producer-Driven Success Amidst Low Yields
Interestingly, Kelley highlights that success in 2024 wasn’t tied to specific appellations or grape varieties but rather achieved on a “producer basis.” Even the top-scoring wines received ratings lower than typical recent vintages, with none exceeding the 94-96 point range from Kelley.
The highest ratings were awarded to:
- Cheval Blanc (Right Bank): 94-96 points
- La Conseillante (Right Bank): 94-96 points
- Pontet-Canet (Left Bank): 94-96 points
Yohan Castaing awarded his top score of 93-96 points to:
- Les Carmes Haut-Brion
Achieving these scores required meticulous work and significant sacrifice. For example, Cheval Blanc lost over a third of its potential yield to sorting, La Conseillante produced only 22 hl/ha after extensive sorting, and Les Carmes Haut-Brion’s yield dropped by half compared to 2023 (from 50hl/ha to 25 hl/ha). Pontet-Canet’s success involved a risky decision to delay harvest until early October.
Market Outlook
Kelley expressed pessimism regarding the upcoming En Primeur campaign’s success, anticipating “consumer apathy” despite expected price reductions from the chateaux.
Our Perspective
This report provides valuable, albeit sobering, insights into the Bordeaux 2024 vintage. It underscores the importance of careful selection and relying on producers known for their diligence in difficult years. While potential price drops might occur, the overall quality assessment suggests caution is warranted for this vintage.
We will continue to monitor reports and assessments as the En Primeur campaign unfolds and will provide further updates. As always, we are here to help you navigate the market and make informed decisions for your cellar.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or wish to discuss specific wines or your collecting strategy.
Warmly,
Guy
