Once again this year, our tasters headed to the heart of Bordeaux’s Right Bank to sample the En Primeur delights. From the defining characteristics of the vintage to our first impressions and firm favourites, we tell you everything you need to know about the wines that truly stand out this year.
All our 2024 En Primeur articles
But why bother buying Bordeaux En Primeur wine?
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The 2024 Right Bank vintage: Battling the elements
The 2024 vintage will be remembered by Right Bank winegrowers as one of the most testing in recent memory. Spring set the tone with a brutal reminder of nature’s power when late April brought damaging frosts. Fortunately, many estates were well prepared, deploying frost-fighting measures such as wind machines and candles to protect their vines. Then, May saw almost 110mm rainfall in Saint-Émilion, double the level of previous years. This excess humidity, combined with mild temperatures, created the perfect conditions for mildew to form, which severely affected flowering and berry development. As if that weren’t enough, a hailstorm in June struck the vineyard, particularly Fronsac and Lalande-de-Pomerol, further reducing the production potential. Rain continued to play a disruptive role throughout the growing season, especially around 20th September, making the final stage of ripening particularly difficult, particularly for the later-ripening grape varieties.
Yet, despite these dire conditions, Merlot, the main variety on the Right Bank demonstrated its greater capacity to adapt by ripening more rapidly than the Cabernets, which tended to be more vulnerable last year. Even so, yields have dropped sharply. In Saint-Émilion, average production sits at around 35 hl/ha, while in Pomerol, which was hit particularly hard, it has fallen as low as 28 hl/ha.
Freshness and balance: The hallmarks of the 2024 vintage on the Right Bank
Despite historically low yields, the 2024 vintage from Bordeaux’s Right Bank has given rise to wines that are concentrated yet beautifully fresh, striking a wonderful balance. Aromatically, these wines lean towards pure, crunchy fruit, wrapped in a refined and delicate texture. Balance is there and the natural acidity has been remarkably well preserved, while alcohol remain moderate, hovering around 13%, making these wines especially easy to drink and accessible. Thanks to modern advances in winemaking, a far cry from the techniques of the 1980s, meticulous sorting ensured that only the finest grapes were retained, despite disease pressure. The result? The 2024 vintage wines stand out for their freshness, finesse, and immediate charm. While they’ll be a pleasure to enjoy in their youth, they also have the potential to surprise after a few years in the cellar. In short, a vintage that aligns perfectly with today’s growing appreciation for finesse among wine lovers.
The iDealwine team’s 2024 favourites from the Right Bank
- Château Canon
The vibrant hue reveals notes of blackcurrant while it delivers impressive concentration and energy on the palate. The finish is long and persistent, marked by a refined note of liquorice (72% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc – barrique ageing with 50% new barrels).
- Cheval Blanc
This wine asserts its stature from the first drop. In the glass, the deep, lustrous black hue sets the stage for an intense bouquet of ripe black fruits, interwoven with rich notes of cedar and cigar box. On the palate, a dense, structured texture maintains remarkable lift, carried by a long finish. (48% Cabernet Franc, 46% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon).
- Clos Fourtet
The seductive nose is noble and refined, offering an already silky texture with fresh notes of mint and delicate floral aromas. On the palate, it reveals an impressive balance, underpinned by a firmly structured tannic backbone. The finish is marked by subtle bitters and nuanced spice, adding depth and complexity. This vintage is a quintessential expression of Clos Fourtet’s style, combining fruit intensity with depth, and promises excellent ageing potential (84% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon).
- Château de Ferrand
This wine exudes a gentle charm, with a delicate bouquet of red berries that immediately captivates the senses. On the palate, it unfolds with finesse and fluidity, leading to an elegant finish accented by a subtle salinity. An outstanding performance for the first vintage to be certified organic produced in a difficult year. This expression evokes those of 2002 or 2004 (75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc).
- Château La Gaffelière
The nose is vibrant and complex, offering a medley of acidulous red and black fruits. On the palate, a generous and indulgent initial drop introduces a subtle sweetness, unfolding into flavours of stone fruits. The ensemble offers harmonious balance and an impressive aromatic intensity. The tannins, still present, are poised to integrate seamlessly over time. The elegant finish leaves a lasting impression. A real iDealwine favourite! (60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc – barrique ageing with 60% new wood).
- Château Larcisse Ducasse
The inviting yet still reserved bouquet reveals delicate red fruit aromas. On the palate, it captivates with its juicy texture, natural elegance, and harmonious balance, all the while retaining a well-structured frame. The wine’s supple texture is supported by present but gentle tannins. A delicate, refined wine and genuine favourite of ours (85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc – 60% of the volume aged in 500L barrels).
- Château Clinet
The bouquet offers delicate notes of cocoa and freshly roasted coffee beans. On the palate, a silky texture is underpinned by a supple, velvety core. The tannins are seamlessly integrated, imparting a gentle roundness and harmony (80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon).
- Château La Conseillante
This expression is a vibrant medley of ripe blackberry and plum, interwoven with elegant floral notes. On the palate, the silky texture combines with a delightful freshness, and a remarkable density.
- Château Figeac
A particularly expressive wine revealing a bouquet of black fruits that gracefully unfolds with vibrant notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum. On the palate, it reveals a generous body supported by a firm yet polished tannic structure. The finish offers beautiful length, leaving a lingering impression.
- Château Valandraud
The wine reveals a deep, radiant hue that immediately commands your attention. The nose is subtle and refined, offering a blend of red and black fruit aromas. On the palate, the wine exhibits softness and a delightful concentration. The fine-grained tannins are impeccably integrated, showcasing the estate’s adept handling of 100% new oak maturation. The ensemble presents a beautiful balance combining finesse and delicacy.
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