“Our impressions were positive for 2023, sometimes extremely so.”

Our first day of Bordeaux en primeur was dominated by big tastings where we could get an overview of the 2023 vintage: reds from both banks, whites and sweet. Our first was in a hanger near the city centre with the morning sun glittering on the Gironde River just outside. 

Our impressions were positive for 2023, sometimes extremely so. There was a large variety of harvest dates and so a big diversity between the wines.

I started with the Right Bank where there were many fabulous successes. Beauséjour, Larcis Ducasse, Pavie Macquin and Trottevieille in Saint-Émilion and Feytit Clinet was a revelation in Pomerol. Left Bank had many highlights; there are many big names, so to mention a few less obvious highlights: Malescot St Exupéry, Brane-Cantenac and Cantenac Brown (all Margaux), Lagrange and Branaire-Ducru (Saint-Julien) Cos Labory (yes! Saint-Estèphe). 

Our first proper château visit was Pauillac stalwart Château Batailley. The 2023 showed beautifully – they now have a second and third wine so the Grand Vin is a rigorous selection and it shows. 

Batailley is only one of several châteaux promising to release early next week, still in April! The Bordelais are keen to sell some wine and not mess about with it – and rather excitingly we can expect some very nice prices! 

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If you have any questions about buying en primeur or the Bordeaux 2023 campaign, please email enprimeur@jeroboams.co.uk.