The 2019 Bordeaux vintage is celebrated as one of the finest in recent history, delivering wines with remarkable balance, freshness, and aging potential. A near-perfect growing season resulted in structured, vibrant, and expressive wines, making this a must-have vintage for both collectors and wine lovers alike.
Auriane d'Aramon, our Head Wine Buyer, says "The 2019 vintage brings incredible energy and finesse, balancing freshness with depth. 2019 has a vibrant, classic feel that promises a long, exciting future."
The Growing Season: A Near-Perfect Year
The 2019 vintage was marked by ideal climatic conditions, allowing for exceptional grape ripening and balanced acidity across Bordeaux’s key regions.
Winter & Spring: A Strong Start
-
The winter of 2018-2019 was mild with steady rainfall, ensuring the groundwater reserves were replenished, essential for later ripening.
-
A dry and warm spring led to an even and problem-free flowering, a key factor in producing high-quality fruit.
-
While some areas faced frost in early April, the overall impact was minimal for top estates.
Summer: Heat & Well-Timed Rainfall
-
June and July were hot and dry, helping to concentrate flavours in the grapes.
-
Well-timed rainfall in late July and mid-August prevented heat stress, allowing the vines to remain healthy and ensuring balanced acidity.
-
The vines adapted well to the conditions, with smaller, thick-skinned berries producing wines with excellent depth and structure.
Harvest: Precision and Optimal Ripeness
-
The harvest period in September and October saw warm days and cool nights, preserving aromatic intensity and freshness in the grapes.
-
Winemakers had the flexibility to pick at perfect phenolic ripeness, meaning tannins were fully developed without overripe or flabby fruit.
-
The balance between natural acidity and sugar levels resulted in wines with both power and elegance.
The Wines: Fresh, Elegant & Age-Worthy
The 2019 Bordeaux vintage produced wines that are vibrant, fruit-driven, and beautifully structured, with fine-grained tannins and refreshing acidity.
Left Bank (Médoc & Graves) – Classic & Age-Worthy
-
Cabernet Sauvignon thrived, producing wines with deep colour, firm tannins, and incredible structure.
-
Pauillac, Saint-Julien, and Margaux crafted wines with an excellent balance of freshness, complexity, and longevity.
-
Notable wines include Château Latour, Château Margaux, and Château Léoville Barton, all showing immense aging potential.
Right Bank (Saint-Émilion & Pomerol) – Lush & Expressive
-
Merlot performed exceptionally well, offering wines with silky textures, deep fruit intensity, and a long finish.
-
Saint-Émilion and Pomerol produced opulent wines with refined tannins and excellent mid-palate weight.
-
Château Cheval Blanc, Château Angélus, and Château Pétrus excelled in 2019, crafting wines of outstanding elegance and complexity.
The Science Behind the Structure: Tannins, Acidity & Aging Potential
What Are Tannins and Why Do They Matter?
Tannins are natural compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems, contributing to a wine’s structure, mouthfeel, and aging ability. Wines from 2019 have fine-grained, well-integrated tannins, ensuring both early drinkability and long-term cellaring potential.
The Role of Acidity in Aging
Acidity acts as a natural preservative, keeping wines fresh and vibrant as they age. The cool nights of the 2019 vintage helped preserve acidity, creating wines that feel lively and well-balanced, rather than overly ripe or heavy.
Investment Potential: A Smart Buy for Collectors
✔ Already showing beautifully – Many wines are drinking well now but have the structure for further aging.
✔ Exceptional longevity – Top estates will age gracefully for 20+ years.
✔ Praised by critics – Highly rated across the board, 2019 is considered a modern benchmark.
✔ Perfect balance of freshness and power – A hallmark of great collectible vintages.
Final Thoughts: Why 2019 is a Must-Have Vintage
With its exceptional growing conditions, wines that combine freshness, elegance, and depth, and strong investment potential, the 2019 Bordeaux vintage is an unmissable opportunity. Whether you prefer the refined structure of Left Bank Cabernet Sauvignon or the silky richness of Right Bank Merlot, this is a vintage that offers the best of both worlds.
Explore our 2019 Bordeaux selection today and secure a future classic for your collection!
