The 10-year-on mark is always a good time to stop and evaluate top-class Bordeaux. From perceived ‘good’ or ‘bad’ vintages, the wines will usually have lost some of their baby fat and be well into their stride in terms of drinkability and approachability.
Following on the heels of three less than stellar vintages, 2014 was certainly the best so-called ‘off vintage’ since 2005, ranked alongside, or just ahead of 2001, 2006 and 2008, and generally superior to 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2011 and of course 2013 (assessed by Stephen Brook in the Decanter Bordeaux guide last year).
The 2014 growing season in Bordeaux was characterised by erratic weather patterns, including April sunshine but a wet and chilly May. Enough sun prevailed in June for the crucial flowering period, but a relatively cool and damp summer followed. These conditions led to uneven grape ripening and increased disease pressure in some vineyards.
Scroll down to see notes and scores from the 10-year retrospective…
Source : https://www.decanter.com/premium/bordeaux-2014-revisited-10-years-on-533126/
