A Tale of Two Vintages: Exploring the 2020 Right Bank Bordeaux Vintage
The Bordeaux Right Bank continues to shine as a hub of exceptional winemaking, with the 2020 vintage further cementing its reputation as a benchmark year. Following the stellar 2019 vintage, 2020 has emerged with a character all its own, showcasing the elegance and power of the region’s Merlot-dominant wines. For winemakers and wine enthusiasts alike, comparing these two consecutive high-quality vintages offers fascinating insights into how nature and technique intertwine to craft masterpieces.
The Vineyard’s Triumph in 2020
Winemaker Christophe Bardeau, known for his meticulous approach, remarked on the unique ease of the 2020 vintage, saying, “The vineyard did all the work.” This reflects a vintage where ideal growing conditions allowed the fruit to ripen perfectly, requiring minimal intervention in the winery. In contrast, the 2019 vintage demanded constant attention, particularly through pumpovers. These pumpovers, a process where wine is circulated to extract flavor, color, and tannins from the grape skins, were performed frequently in 2019 to manage the vintage’s variability. The need for such diligence highlights 2019’s complexities, where the winemaker’s skill was crucial to achieving balance. In 2020, pumpovers were required only once every 24 hours—a stark contrast to the intensity of 2019. This lighter touch resulted in wines that exude a natural grace, allowing the terroir to speak with clarity. The Clos Lavaud and Les Graves de Lavaud, two standout wines of the 2020 vintage, embody this effortless elegance. Their depth, precision, and balance are testaments to how exceptional vineyard conditions can yield wines of profound character with minimal manipulation.
A Vintage Comparison: 2019 vs. 2020
While both vintages are celebrated, their stylistic differences provide an intriguing contrast. The 2019 wines, shaped by the winemaker’s labor-intensive techniques, exhibit a bold structure and concentration, reflecting the hands-on effort required to tame the vintage. Conversely, the 2020 wines are marked by their purity and finesse, a direct result of nature’s harmonious rhythms during the growing season. For collectors and drinkers, these differences offer diverse expressions of the Right Bank’s potential, making both years worthy additions to any cellar.
The Role of Climate in Shaping Excellence
The weather conditions in 2020 were ideal for Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the predominant varietals of the Right Bank. Moderate rainfall and a sunny, even ripening period created fruit with perfect balance between sugar and acidity. In 2019, while the quality was similarly high, the vintage posed challenges such as uneven ripening, requiring winemakers to intervene more actively. These climatic nuances underscore the interplay of natural elements and human expertise in crafting Bordeaux’s greatest wines.
Why 2020 Deserves Attention
The 2020 Clos Lavaud and Les Graves de Lavaud are already earning acclaim as definitive expressions of the vintage. They capture the hallmark traits of the Right Bank—richness, complexity, and an uncanny ability to age gracefully. For those who appreciate the artistry of winemaking, these bottles serve as a celebration of what can happen when vineyards and vintners align perfectly with nature’s plan.
Both the 2019 and 2020 vintages reaffirm Bordeaux’s ability to deliver world-class wines year after year. Whether you’re drawn to the structured intensity of 2019 or the effortless elegance of 2020, the Right Bank’s offerings ensure an unforgettable experience in every glass. For collectors, the decision isn’t which vintage to choose—it’s making room for both.
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