The Best Bordeaux Vintages from 1970 to Today

Bordeaux, the hallowed ground of French winemaking, has long been synonymous with exceptional vintages that have captivated the palates of wine enthusiasts worldwide. From the classic structures of the 20th century to the bold innovations of the modern era, each legendary Bordeaux vintage tells a captivating story of the region's unwavering commitment to quality and its ability to adapt to the changing tides of time. 

In this article:

1. The Foundations of Greatness: 1970, 1982, and 1989-1990
2. Timeless Elegance and the Pursuit of Balance: 1996 and 2000
3. Adapting to the Modern Era: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2016, 2018, and 2020
4. The Lasting Legacy of Bordeaux's Finest

5. The Best Bordeaux Vintages, recapped

The Foundations of Greatness: 1970, 1982, and 1989-1990

In the early years of the 1970s, Bordeaux found its footing once more, showcasing the region's resilience and the timeless appeal of its wines. The 1970 vintage, marked by a warm, dry growing season and ideal harvest conditions, produced wines of exceptional balance, firm tannins, and classic Bordeaux structure – a true testament to the region's winemaking prowess. Standout wines like Château Mouton Rothschild 1970, which was the highest ranked French wine at the Judgement of Paris (1976), and the exceptionally balanced Château Latour 1970, solidified Bordeaux's reputation as a producer of world-class vintages. Most 1970 Bordeaux are at their peak now or slightly past, but well-stored bottles from top châteaux can still be enjoyed.

The 1980s, however, ushered in a transformative shift, with the 1982 vintage emerging as a game-changer. Blessed with a hot, dry summer and near-perfect harvest, the 1982s captivated the global wine community with their ripe, concentrated fruit flavors and softer tannins, defying traditional Bordeaux profiles. Legendary bottlings from Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Cheval Blanc, both rated 100 points from renowned critic Robert Parker, demonstrated the region's ability to adapt and innovate, setting the stage for the exceptional back-to-back vintages that would soon follow. Many can be enjoyed now through 2030.

The "Golden Pair" of 1989 and 1990 further cemented Bordeaux's reputation for producing wines of unparalleled richness and power. The 1989s, marked by their intense concentration and ripe, sometimes jammy flavors, were followed by the elegantly structured 1990s, sparking spirited debates among wine enthusiasts as to which vintage reigned supreme. The 1989 and 1990 Bordeaux vintages are in their prime drinking window now, with top wines, like 1989 Château Haut-Brion , still having the potential to age for another decade or more. 

Timeless Elegance and the Pursuit of Balance: 1996 and 2000

As the 20th century drew to a close, Bordeaux proved its ability to deliver vintages of exceptional quality and character consistently. The 1996 vintage, often described as a "classic," showcased the region's mastery of balance, with its high acidity, firm tannins, and excellent fruit concentration. Wines like 1996 Château Latour and 1996 Château Pontet Canet became touchstones of this enduring style. This vintage helped establish Pontet-Canet's trajectory towards becoming one of the most improved and respected Bordeaux producers over the following decades. Top wines will continue to evolve and can be enjoyed over the next 10-20 years.

The 2000 Bordeaux vintage is often referred to as a "millésime du siècle" (vintage of the century). The turn of the millenia vintage was marked by ideal growing conditions that produced exceptional wines across appellations, solidifying the region's premier status. This watershed year yielded balanced, age-worthy wines that garnered critical acclaim and elevated market prices. Exemplars of this outstanding vintage include the remarkable offerings from Château Mouton Rothschild and Château Pétrus, which beautifully showcase the year's distinctive qualities. Many can be enjoyed now through 2040+.

Adapting to the Modern Era: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2016, 2018, and 2020

The 2005 Bordeaux vintage is legendary for its exceptional balance of power and elegance, a result of near-perfect weather conditions throughout the growing season. A dry, warm summer followed by ideal harvest conditions produced grapes with optimal ripeness, concentration, and acidity. Unlike the opulent 2009 or structured 2010 vintages, 2005 achieved a remarkable harmony between fruit intensity, tannin structure, and freshness. This vintage came at the height of the wine culture wars, with 2005 Bordeaux embodying a synthesis between the competing styles of powerful, fruit-forward wines and more classical, restrained expressions. The resulting wines, such as the perfectly rated 2005 Château Angélus Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, showcase both concentration and finesse, with the potential to age gracefully for decades. While some 2005 Bordeaux are approachable now, many will continue to evolve and improve through 2040 or beyond, making them highly sought-after by collectors and connoisseurs alike.

The 2009 vintage, in contrast, pushed the boundaries of Bordeaux's traditional style, producing wines of unprecedented ripeness and opulence. This vintage is considered legendary due to its perfect growing conditions, resulting in grapes with exceptional concentration and complexity. The 2009 wines are characterized by their lush fruit flavors, velvety tannins, and remarkable depth, offering immediate pleasure while possessing the structure for long-term aging. Critics have hailed it as one of the greatest vintages in Bordeaux's history, with many wines receiving perfect or near-perfect scores. Château Lafite Rothschild Pauillac 2009 and Château Angélus Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2009 exemplified this bold new direction, sparking lively discussions about the region's evolving identity. Enjoy now through 2050+.

The 2010 vintage, however, stands out as a true testament to Bordeaux's pursuit of balance. Combining the power and concentration of the preceding years with classic structure, the 2010s, as seen in Château Latour 2010 and Cos d'Estournel St-Estèphe 2010, are widely regarded as among the greatest ever produced in the region, destined to evolve and improve for decades to come. Best from 2025 through 2060+. The vintage was shaped by severe drought conditions, the driest year since 1949, coupled with warm days and cool nights that produced grapes with exceptional concentration and acidity. This remarkable quality, combined with high demand and limited supply, led the 2010 Bordeaux to set a record as the most expensive vintage in history, with prices for top châteaux reaching unprecedented levels.

The 2016 Bordeaux vintage is widely regarded as one of the finest of the 21st century, characterized by perfect weather conditions during the crucial ripening period. After a wet spring, the summer and harvest season brought warm days and cool nights, allowing for optimal ripening and flavor development while maintaining fresh acidity. Two standout wines from this exceptional year are Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Mouton Rothschild, both receiving perfect 100-point scores from critics and exemplifying the vintage's extraordinary quality. These First Growths showcase the depth, complexity, and elegance that define the best of 2016 Bordeaux. The resulting wines are noted for their remarkable balance, combining ripe fruit flavors with elegant structure and refined tannins, showcasing both power and finesse that promises excellent aging potential. While some 2016 Bordeaux are approachable now, most will benefit from aging. Best from 2026 through 2050+.

The 2018 Bordeaux vintage was a year of contrasts, beginning with a challenging, wet spring that gave way to an exceptionally warm and dry summer and harvest period. This dramatic shift in weather allowed for optimal ripening, resulting in wines of rich concentration, ripe tannins, and impressive depth, balanced by fresh acidity. Among the standout wines of this vintage, Château Ausone and Château Petrus shine particularly bright, both receiving perfect 100-point scores from critics. These exceptional wines embody the best qualities of the 2018 vintage, showcasing intense fruit concentration, remarkable complexity, and the potential for long-term aging. Often compared to the legendary 2016 vintage, 2018 showcases Bordeaux's resilience and ability to produce outstanding wines even in the face of initial adversity, solidifying its place among the region's best years. Many 2018 Bordeaux wines will continue to improve over the next 10 - 15 years.

Most recently, the 2020 vintage, crafted under the unprecedented conditions of the global pandemic, has emerged as a testament to Bordeaux's resilience and adaptability. Despite the challenges, this vintage has already shown great promise, with wines like 2020 Château Cheval Blanc Saint-Emilion Grand Cru and 2020 Château Figeac drawing comparisons to the legendary 2016 vintage. The 2020 harvest will be forever etched in history as the "pandemic vintage," marking a pivotal moment in the wine world where centuries-old traditions met modern-day crisis management. Winemakers had to adapt their practices to ensure the safety of workers while maintaining the region's high standards, resulting in a vintage that not only reflects the terroir but also the indomitable spirit of Bordeaux's vignerons. This unique combination of circumstances has imbued the 2020 wines with a special significance, potentially elevating them to collector's items that encapsulate a defining moment in global history.

The Lasting Legacy of Bordeaux's Finest

From the classic structures of the 20th century to the innovative spirits of the modern era, each of Bordeaux's legendary vintages has left an indelible mark on the wine world. For collectors, investors, and enthusiasts alike, these iconic years offer a wealth of opportunities – from vertical tastings that trace the evolution of specific châteaux to horizontal explorations that reveal the nuances of terroir and winemaking philosophies.

As Bordeaux continues to navigate the challenges of a changing climate and evolving consumer preferences, the region's unwavering commitment to quality and its ability to adapt ensure that the story of its legendary vintages is far from over. With each new chapter, wine lovers can look forward to unraveling the captivating narratives that make the best Bordeaux vintages so timeless and alluring.

The Best Bordeaux Vintages in a Glance: