Continuing our journey through Bordeaux’s vineyards for the 2024 En Primeur campaign, we turn our attention to Médoc. We’ll take you through weather conditions, the characteristics of these wines, and reveal the standout bottles that caught our attention!
All our 2024 En Primeur articles
But why bother buying Bordeaux En Primeur wine?
2024 En Primeur | 2024 Bordeaux: Weather and wine characteristics
2024 En Primeur | Vintage analysis and top picks from Pessac-Léognan
Challenging weather conditions in Médoc during the 2024 vintage
The 2024 vintage certainly didn’t make things easy for Médoc winegrowers! Constant vigilance was essential to craft wines that would live up to expectations. After a mild winter with heavy rainfall, budbreak was delayed. Although early April brought some sunshine, persistent rain quickly set the stage for mildew to take hold. Coulure (grapes failing to develop) also affected the vines, reducing yields in certain plots. A severe blow came on 18 June in the form of a devastating hailstorm that struck nearly 2,000 hectares across the region. Thankfully, weather conditions over the summer allowed better grape growth. Sadly, the return of rain in September heralded harvests in fluctuating conditions, under shifting, often unpredictable skies.
Concentration defines the 2024 Médoc vintage
This vintage is a clear reflection of the dedication and skill of the winemakers from Médoc. Despite the season’s many challenges, every producer we met echoed the same sentiment: the difficult conditions only strengthened team spirit and reaffirmed their commitment to excellence. Throughout the year, nature kept growers on their toes, but their hard work paid off! They succeeded in producing wines with impressive freshness and drinkability, with alcohol levels hovering around 13% ABV – exactly what today’s consumers are looking for. Unlike in the 1980s, winemakers now benefit from more precise techniques. Rigorous grape selection allowed them to exclude unwanted fruit and retain only the finest berries. Yields were lower, around 30 hl/ha, resulting in concentrated juice and greater structure in the wines. Tasting revealed a gorgeous, intense colour with purplish glints, and a firm tannic structure lending body to the wines. In short: quality over quantity.
iDealwine’s favourites from the 2024 Médoc vintage
- Château Lafite Rothschild
Bursting with charming red fruit, this wine combines supple texture with refined tannic structure, finesse, and elegance. Crafted for long ageing, it contains an impressive 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 3% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot.
- Château Rauzan Ségla
This marks the estate’s first vintage under organic certification. The nose is irresistibly charming, delivering great finesse and floral, mint-tinged aromas lifted by vibrant fruit. The palate reveals a concentrated core and suave, well-integrated tannins. The delicious and intense finish is lightly toasted (18 months of ageing in 50% new oak barrels. 63.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc).
- Château Duhart-Milon
A supple expression with a beautiful texture and fine tannins. The palate exudes freshness and vibrant fruit, offering excellent length and finesse (78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot).
- Château Talbot
Seductive and expressive on the nose, with bright floral and fruit notes The palate delivers both character and finesse while also being silky and elegant. The finish lingers with indulgent hints of cocoa, revealing a wine of remarkable balance (70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot).
- Château Lagrange
A wine that reveals a fine, charming nose of floral notes and black cherry aromas. A vibrant initial impression introduces a flavourful mid-palate, brimming over with blood orange notes. The texture is silky and rounded, leading to a juicy, finely structured finish (84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot).
- Château Branaire-Ducru
The alluring nose reveals ripe fruit lifted by a touch of sweet spice (liquorice). The palate is lively and intensely aromatic, supported by vibrant acidity and a pleasant chewiness. Very fine tannins frame the wine, which will require a few years to mellow. The delightful finish reveals cocoa and citrus peel, leaves an impression that is vivid, intense with refreshing acidity (72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 2.5% Petit Verdot).
- Château Siran
Complex and indulgent on the nose, layered with smoky nuances, dark fruit and leather notes. A structured initial drop introduces an expressive fruit core, with a velvety texture and vibrant acidity. An ample and elegant finish culminating in fine peppery notes for this standout wine (56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot).
- Château Léoville Barton
An infused, refined nose of blackberry, violet and black cherry, complemented by tangy red berries. The palate is vibrant and long, revealing a supple, acidulous texture bursting with generosity. Accessible in its youth, this 2024 will also benefit from cellaring (92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc).
- Château Chasse Spleen
The wine reveals black pepper and spice notes, complemented by freshness and hints of wet stones. It is beautifully balanced with a lovely palate. Tannins are present and already well-integrated (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot).
- Château du Tertre
Delightful crisp nose revealing notes of cherry, extremely pure with lots of freshness. The spiced initial impression leads to a fleshy, elegant and vibrant substance. The finish is refined and harmonious (75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot).
