As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and experience many vintages of Bordeaux wines. When comparing the 2019 vintage to the 2018 vintage, there are some notable differences. While both vintages were warm, I found that the 2019 vintage had a slightly easier and less eventful nature compared to 2018.
One of the key factors that sets the 2019 vintage apart is the weather conditions. In 2018, there were more early season extremes, such as frost and hail, which put pressure on the vines and affected the overall quality of the grapes. However, in 2019, the weather was generally more favorable, with fewer extreme events. This allowed the vines to thrive and produce grapes of excellent quality.
In terms of the wines themselves, the 2019 Bordeaux vintage is shaping up to be another modern classic. The wines display a wonderful balance of ripe fruit flavors, structure, and elegance. The warm weather during the growing season resulted in grapes with optimal ripeness, which is reflected in the richness and intensity of the wines.
One of the standout qualities of the 2019 vintage is the fruit concentration. The wines are bursting with flavors of blackberries, blackcurrants, and plums, with hints of spices and herbs. This concentration of fruit flavors adds depth and complexity to the wines, making them a pleasure to drink.
Another characteristic of the 2019 vintage is the tannin structure. The tannins in these wines are ripe and well-integrated, providing a smooth and velvety texture. This makes the wines approachable in their youth, but also ensures that they have the potential to age gracefully over time.
When comparing the 2019 vintage to the 2018 vintage, I find that the 2019 wines have a slightly more refined and elegant character. The 2018 wines, while also of high quality, had a bolder and more powerful style. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, as some may prefer the intensity and richness of the 2018 wines, while others may appreciate the finesse and elegance of the 2019 vintage.
In my personal experience, I have had the pleasure of tasting several 2019 Bordeaux wines and have been impressed by their overall quality. The wines have shown great potential and I am excited to see how they develop over time. It is worth noting that Bordeaux is a region known for its aging potential, so it would not be surprising to see the 2019 vintage evolve and improve with bottle age.
While both the 2018 and 2019 Bordeaux vintages were warm, the 2019 vintage had a slightly easier and less eventful nature. The wines from the 2019 vintage display a wonderful balance of ripe fruit flavors, structure, and elegance. The concentration of fruit flavors and the ripe, well-integrated tannins make these wines a pleasure to drink. Ultimately, the preference between the two vintages comes down to personal taste, but I believe that the 2019 vintage has the potential to be another modern classic in Bordeaux.