An Attractive Vintage for Bordeaux Drinkers
There is no doubt that 2007 was a challenging vintage. However, the good news is that we were pleasantly surprised during our tasting trip back in April. There is a lot of variation between the lesser and top châteaux but overall we found some charming and very attractive wines. These wines will not have the power and longevity of their predecessors but they will provide a lot of pleasure whilst you wait for the 2005s and 2006s to mature. Soft, supple and approachable, these wines are for those of us who enjoy drinking Bordeaux, rather than investors. For many, this will be a welcome change to the increasing concentration that we have seen in recent years, and will represent what some would say is a return to the true value of claret. (Bill Blatch, Bordeaux expert) Seeking out quality wines in a difficult vintageMany of the winemakers we spoke to say 2007 was the hardest vintage they have ever had to make. This makes it all the more astonishing that there are some delicious wines to be had. The reality is that the top châteaux with financial backing and winemaking expertise can make exceptional wines in difficult years; 2007 is a case in point. 20 years ago, this vintage would have been written off but modern vineyard management and rigorous selection have ensured that the best châteaux have produced some good wines. This is definitely a year where my advice would be to select your wines very carefully and stick to the best names or seek advice from one of our team. It was more akin to Burgundy where the skill of the winemaker was paramount. Fortunately, Bordeaux has many skilled winemakers’ (Neal Martin, wineanorak.com, April 08)
2007: The roller coaster vintage
2007 was certainly a year of highs and lows. It started off very positively with an early but prolonged flowering in April, owing to a very warm spring. This was to be the start of one of Bordeaux's longest ripening seasons. A wet May and June caused problems with mildew in the vineyards but the better châteaux sprayed to prevent such issues and consequently suffered a lot less than most. July was not excessively wet but was cool and damp, whilst August's heavy showers nearly spoiled the vintage altogether. However, an Indian summerin September and October rescued the vintage with almost continuous sunshine for six weeks. Many winemakers decided to gamble and rather than pick early and risk under-ripe grapes from the cool summer, they left the grapes on the vine, some well into October. The gamble paid off and the long growing season has given way to some fresh, soft and elegant wines.
Regional highlights in this challenging vintage
It is impossible to generalise on appellations in a vintage such as this, where the real variation is between estates rather than communes. What can be said with some certainty is that it was an excellent year for whites, dry and sweet. The dry whites are rich, with good acidity and vibrant fruit. But the real star of the show has to be Sauternes. The Indian summer and humidity combined to provide perfect conditions for the development of noble rot and consequently these wines have great purity of fruit and concentration. It is still very early for comparisons but I would expect these wines to approach the magnificent quality of 2001. The reds lack the weight and richness of 2006 but are softer and more approachable. In quality terms they are probably most akin to 1999 but with more charm. The vintage certainly has a lot in common with 2002, which also benefitted from an Indian summer but 2007 has more fruit and smoother tannins. Overall, the Bordelais have made some good red wines in a difficult vintage that are fruity, aromatic and early maturing.
Pricing, demand and availability
There is always a high demand for the best Bordeaux wines, particularly now with the emerging markets in Asia. Yields are lower in 2007 than in 2006, some as much as 20% and so availability is restricted. These factors combined with the poor exchange rate with the Euro are reflected in this year's pricing.
Why Buy 2007 En Primeur?
You have the opportunity to secure your favourite wines before they are released on the market. Even in difficult vintages, the best châteaux will sell out En Primeur. Bordeaux lovers will thoroughly enjoy these soft, seductive wines whilst other vintages are still maturing. En Primeur is still the best way to purchase the finest names in Bordeaux and gives you the opportunity to bottle the wines in the format of your choice e.
Averys Bordeaux Connections
With our long-standing friendships in Bordeaux and decades of wine-merchanting expertise, we feel we are in the best position to advise you which wines to purchase from this difficult vintage. Simply call our friendly wine team for advice or to order, on 0845 863 0995.
Cheers, 
John Avery, MW
PS Look out for the enlarged selectin of mixed cases; there's every reason to secure some 2007 wines and enjoy them whilst your 2005s and 2006s mature.
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