After changeable weather conditions in the spring and early summer, the sun came out and stayed out through to the end of a very successful harvest. The results appear to be stunning for both whites and reds throughout the region. As yields were good, winemakers were able to be selective and avoid the steep price increases of recent vintages.
The Whites (including C
hablis)
The view throughout Burgundy is that 2023 is “a great year for white wine.” From the whites we have tasted, we can only agree. The ripe, healthy, well-balanced grapes have produced wines that stand out for their richness and wonderful opulence without excess. They are perfumed, evoking gorgeous ripe white fruits such as pear and peach. Beautiful balances throughout have been maintained, especially with the gorgeous 1er and Grand Crus.
The Reds
The reds we have tasted are magnificent, with a promise to be approachable and easy to drink, as they are already expressive and open up quickly. They have delicious flavours, sometimes reminiscent of fresh red fruits such as raspberries, or with aromas of dark fruits such as blackberries and, in some cases, spices. On the palate, they have a lovely density, with a silky tannic structure. During vinification, conditions were just right for good colour extraction. The deep, intense colours of the wines are superb, and they will age gracefully.
A Final Word
It looks as if prices for the 2023 vintage will, if anything, be lower than last year, which is very good news for us all—they will be approachable early and will age beautifully. Without question, a vintage to buy. Click here to see a selection of 2023 Burgundy En Primeur wines.
A Word of Warning
The 2024 crop suffered from similar weather to what we had here in England, with yields down by 50-80%, which means that for Burgundy, where demand always exceeds supply, there will be upward pressure on prices after a year of sensible stability.
