Bordeaux En Primeur is underway with Cheval Blanc the first to release

The price for the 2020 Cheval Blanc is €380 / btl and is very close to the 2019 vintage of €370 /btl and the quality appears to be at least as good.

The weather in 2020 generally played well with rain falling at almost perfect times in the season. Some rain after bud break and before flowering, followed by a fairly dry flowering, another touch of rain at the end of May and June flowed by a long dry summer, with mild water and heat stress, limiting vegetative growth and vines focused on the grapes. At the beginning of August some welcome rain came before settling into another dry period during the key August month. The only downside was some rain towards the end of harvest in late September.

Early commentators’ ratings are problematic with most unable to go to the wineries to taste the wines due to Covid-19 restrictions and have had samples sent to them instead. Some writers are concerned that the samples may not taste as well as those when tasted at the Chateaux.

In summary, in 2020 the weather in general was very good and so the top producers should all be able to make great wines and the prices haven’t risen vs 2019. It may not be the best vintage, but it may be a good one to buy if you like to drink nice Bordeaux.