As an expert sommelier and brewer, I had the opportunity to taste the Bordeaux 2014 en primeur wines from the Medoc during en primeur week. This is an exciting time for wine professionals, as we get a first taste of the new vintage before it is released to the public.
The 2014 vintage in the Medoc region of Bordeaux was generally considered to be a good year, although not exceptional. The weather conditions during the growing season were relatively favorable, with a cool spring and a warm, dry summer. This allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, resulting in wines with good concentration and balance.
One of the standout characteristics of the 2014 Medoc wines was their approachability. Typically, young Bordeaux wines from the Medoc can be quite powerful and tannic, requiring several years of aging to soften and develop. However, the 2014 wines seemed to be more accessible and ready to drink even at this early stage.
During the en primeur tastings, I found that many of the 2014 Medoc wines had ripe fruit flavors, with notes of blackberries, blackcurrants, and plums. The tannins were present, but they were well-integrated and not overpowering. The wines had a good acidity, which provided freshness and balance.
One possible reason for the approachability of the 2014 Medoc wines is the slightly lower alcohol levels compared to some other vintages. This allowed the fruit flavors to shine through and prevented the wines from feeling too heavy or hot on the palate.
Another factor that may have contributed to the quality of the 2014 Medoc wines is the careful selection and blending by the winemakers. In challenging vintages, it is often the skill and experience of the winemaker that can make a difference. By selecting only the best grapes and blending different grape varieties and plots, the winemakers were able to produce wines that showcased the best qualities of the vintage.
Of course, not all of the 2014 Medoc wines were exceptional. As with any vintage, there were variations in quality depending on the individual producer and vineyard location. Some wines were lacking in concentration or had slightly green or herbal flavors. However, overall, the 2014 Medoc wines were a solid and enjoyable vintage.
It's worth noting that my personal experiences and opinions may differ from others in the industry, as taste is subjective. However, based on my observations and discussions with fellow wine professionals, the consensus seems to be that the 2014 Medoc wines were good, if not outstanding.
The 2014 vintage in the Medoc region of Bordeaux was a good year overall. The wines were approachable and showed ripe fruit flavors, well-integrated tannins, and good acidity. While not quite exceptional, the 2014 Medoc wines were a solid representation of the terroir and craftsmanship of the region.