Bordeaux Primeurs 2020
The birth of a trilogy
In terms of weather conditions, the mildness and rains of the 2020 winter, followed by the exceptionally warm spring during the lockdown, signaled the threat of mildew. Between April and June, the rains exceeded the spring averages by 135mm, and the soils – especially those made of clayey gravel – became waterlogged for the summer period. Fortunately, this proved beneficial! The summer of 2020 was particularly hot and dry, helping winegrowers eliminate mildew from the grapes. The berries grew larger and advanced quickly in their development. Another consequence was that the veraison was much earlier than usual. Some water stress set in during July, but early August rains eased the pressure. Starting in mid-August, the drought resumed, lasting until mid-September, significantly advancing the harvest time. The temperature difference between day and night allowed the vines to cool during this period. The berries thus reached maturity very quickly, sugar levels were controlled, the grape skins became highly concentrated, but the berry sizes were small, indicating a reduction in quantities compared to 2019.
The harvest began quickly due to the berries' maturation and the working conditions. The staff worked hard to organize everything in just a few weeks, starting with the early-ripening Merlots on September 8, followed by the Cabernet Sauvignons. By September 30, everything had been harvested, which hadn't happened in a long time. As for the sweet wines, they were less fortunate, as botrytis only began its work in early October, forcing the harvest to be delayed.
The result of the 2020 Bordeaux Primeurs is astonishing, much like the entire year… even disconcerting. Winegrowers had to adapt constantly, and they succeeded! Alcohol levels are lower than in recent years, under 14°, which is a very positive point. The grape skins are thick, rich in concentrated tannins. The fruits are small, and the yields of the estates will be low.
On the Left Bank, the presence of the Gironde and its cool oceanic winds naturally favored the properties that might have suffered from mildew. Other beneficiaries of this 2020 year are the estates sitting on clay soils, which help store moisture for the hot summer days. In this scenario, the Cabernet Sauvignons have their moment of glory, allowing St-Estèphe to express a beautiful homogeneity in quality. St-Julien, Pauillac, and Margaux also show greater concentration than usual, promising magnificent aging potential.
On the Right Bank, in St-Emilion, only the clay-limestone terroirs manage to combine tannin tension and power. The great success of the Merlots will likely change the proportions in some estates. In Pomerol, the motto is clear: 2020 is a Merlot year!
Destined for long aging, the 2020 Bordeaux Primeurs vintage is often considered, with its savory tannins, low alcohol content, and subtle balance, as a new "classic" vintage. According to the famous oenologist Eric Boissenot, advisor to most of the First Growths of the Médoc: "2020 does not resemble 2018 or 2019, but it will probably have something of 2016."
