Vintages Flashcards
What was the largest harvest in Burgundy’s history?
1.9 million hectolitres (50 million US gallons) in 2023
This harvest was characterized by charming reds with slightly higher acidities than 2022.
What characterized the 2022 Burgundy vintage?
A good to excellent vintage offering ripe, well-fruited classical Pinot Noir for medium to long-term drinking.
Matthew Hayes provided a detailed report on this vintage.
What challenges did the 2021 Burgundy vintage face?
Hard frost during budbreak, wet and cool spring, powdery mildew, botrytis, and rain near harvest.
Despite these challenges, sunshine in early September allowed for the minuscule crop to reach maturity.
What was the quality of wines produced in the 2020 Burgundy vintage?
Deeply coloured, richly fruited wines with moderate alcohols and beautifully balanced acidities.
This vintage had excellent potential for long-ageing.
What was notable about the 2019 Burgundy vintage?
A very warm growing season with heatwaves that lowered yields; Pinot Noirs were reliably good to excellent.
These wines have the concentration for medium to long-term drinking.
What weather conditions affected the 2018 Burgundy vintage?
A wet winter followed by a very hot summer.
This vintage produced juicy, generally fruity wines with questions over their potential for ageing.
What was the outcome of the 2017 Burgundy vintage?
A bounteous harvest resulting in fruity reds with moderate acidity and soft tannins.
Comparisons were tentatively made to the 2002 or 1999 vintages.
What made the 2016 Burgundy vintage difficult?
Hail, frost, and mildew led to low yields and less concentrated fruit.
Complicated meteorological patterns created varied conditions in each sub-region.
How did the 2015 Burgundy vintage turn out?
Low yields and warm weather allowed for ample ripeness and small berries, leading to extremely fine quality.
Comparisons were made with the outstanding 2005 vintage.
What were the effects of the 2014 Burgundy vintage’s weather?
An unusually mild winter was followed by a cool and wet summer, resulting in relatively light wines.
A dramatic hailstorm on 28 June affected the Côte de Beaune.
What characterized the 2013 Burgundy vintage?
A frigid spring delayed flowering and led to uneven ripening, but a drier September allowed for a balanced crop.
Producers faced challenges from hail and summer downpours.
What were the challenges faced in the 2012 Burgundy vintage?
Blighted by rot due to a damp summer, resulting in very low volumes of variable quality wines.
Despite the problems, vignerons were surprised and delighted by some outcomes.
What was notable about the 2011 Burgundy vintage?
Disappointing quality was expected, but the wines turned out surprisingly well.
A tasting of top wines in 2022 was encouraging.
What was the outcome of the 2010 Burgundy vintage?
A return to high acidity with some very good quality, especially in the Côte de Nuits.
Volumes were up to a third lower than average.
What characterized the 2009 Burgundy vintage?
A comparatively dry growing season with consistent warmth and no early season hail damage.
Low acidity and ripe tannins made these reds drinkable early.
What challenges were faced in the 2008 Burgundy vintage?
Coulure, mildew, and hail damaged yields and quality.
Late September sunshine helped, but high acidity remained a hallmark.
What was the outcome of the 2007 Burgundy vintage?
A damp summer led to rotten Pinot Noir grapes and the need for strict selection.
The vintage is unlikely to receive high scores.
What characterized the 2006 Burgundy vintage?
Poor summer conditions led to wines that could be very pure and expressive or too austere.
The quality varied significantly.
What was notable about the 2005 Burgundy vintage?
An exceptionally good vintage, although many wines might go through a prolonged stage of chewy adolescence.
This vintage is highly regarded in Burgundy.
What characterized the 2004 Burgundy vintage?
A large vintage with pretty serviceable and good value wines.
Wines were relatively light and crisp, intended for early drinking.
What was the weather situation in the 2003 Burgundy vintage?
A heatwave year producing a small proportion of monumental wines, but many Pinot Noirs suffered from raisining.
Dry tannins are expected to become more prominent over time.
What was the outcome of the 2002 Burgundy vintage?
A good vintage with reasonable dryness and respectable sugar levels in the end.
Most wines showed their charms at an early stage.
What challenges did the 2001 Burgundy vintage face?
Wet summer with heat spikes; varied quality in wines.
Some low-yielding grapes provided exciting long-term drinking.
What was notable about the 2000 Burgundy vintage?
A difficult vintage with rain and rot during harvest, producing soft, easy wines.
More successful in the Côte de Nuits than in much of the Côte de Beaune.
