Bordeaux Primeurs 2013: what are the media saying?
The Bordeaux En Primeur campaign without Robert Parker
As the week of Bordeaux Primeurs 2013 which will take place in early April, announcements about the quality of the 2013 vintage are coming thick and fast. The campaign will be held this year without Robert ParkerMore than ever, the media are acting as spokespeople for the conflicting interests of the parties involved.
Grand Cru wines damaged by the weather
The weather in 2013 had been more than gloomyIncessant rain had settled in during February and only stopped at the end of June. The vines were saturated with water. Flowering was then delayed by a phenomenal 30 days, thus pushing back the harvest dates by the same amount. The scorching sun of early July gave way to violent storms that destroyed most or all of the future harvest in some regions (Volnay, Corton-Charlemagne), and the fine days of August were not enough to accelerate the ripening of the wine. September was going to be crucial, and once again the sun proved capricious. The winemakers were tearing their hair out trying to bring in the grapes as best they could between downpours.
Great Bordeaux wines: important announcements
In an interview with theWine ReviewStéphane Derenoncourt, a renowned Bordeaux oenologist and consultant for several châteaux, announces that the Château Malescasse, Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Emilion will forgo its entire production and sell the whole product in bulk. Publicity stunt or not, the stakes are high for this Château are enormous, since its new owner has made significant investments in the renovation of the vineyards and the winery.
In response to these announcements, Olivier Bernard, the media-savvy owner of Domaine of Chevalier (Grand Cru Classé of Pessac Léognan) sent a press release to AFP in early February on behalf of the Union of Grands Crus of Bordeaux, which he presides over. The statements are clear. Here, in essence, is the content of his message. The weather conditions have complicated things. The rain and hail storms have affected each vineyard differently. The reality is very different from one château to the other. More than ever, work in the vineyard has been crucial in preventing attacks of downy and powdery mildew. Those who are unable to produce a great wine will not be able to meet the criteria of a Grand Cru Classé in Bordeaux. Then, regarding price setting, he announced that These could be down by 20 to 30%.
In light of this information, Cavissima will be sending a team of 4 tasters this year. to evaluate in the UGC fields and in tastings the samples presented by the different castles.
In the meantime, check out Cavissima's tips for buying your wines en primeur (pre-release).