The 2018 vintage for Pessac-Léognan and Graves certainly made waves among wine connoisseurs and industry experts. This exceptional year, despite its unpredictable weather conditions, has produced some highly recommended wines. Here is an in-depth look at the results of a meticulous panel tasting, providing valuable insights for wine enthusiasts and potential investors.
Unusual Weather Patterns in 2018
The 2018 weather in Bordeaux was nothing short of dramatic. While London basked in an early and prolonged summer, Bordeaux experienced one of the wettest springs on record. March saw unprecedented rainfall, raising concerns about potential rot due to high humidity levels before the vines even began to bud. However, by mid-July, Bordeaux was swept by a significant heatwave that persisted, marking one of the hottest summers in fifty years. This climatic volatility ultimately impacted the grapes, lending unique characteristics to the vintage.
The Tasting Panel and Their Expertise
Three seasoned experts formed the tasting panel: Gareth Birchley, Arthur Coggill, and Melody Wong.
Gareth Birchley, the buying director at a prominent London-based wine merchant, has an extensive background in fine wine sales and senior buying roles.
Arthur Coggill, head of business development at another renowned London wine merchant, boasts years of experience in fine wine sales and fund management.
Melody Wong, director of wine at an elite London hotel, has a rich history of working in Michelin-starred establishments and was a nominee for the Best Sommelier category in a notable food and drink awards.
Their combined expertise ensured a rigorous and insightful evaluation of the wines.
Scoring Methodology and Results
Each of the 66 Pessac-Léognan and Graves red wines from the 2018 vintage was tasted blind to maintain impartiality.
- Highly Recommended: 31 wines achieved the "Highly Recommended" status, indicating exceptional quality and notable characteristics.
- Recommended: 32 wines were deemed "Recommended," signifying a robust and pleasing profile.
- Commended: 3 wines received "Commended" status, showing promise and enjoyable attributes.
Fair/Poor: There were no wines in these categories, reflecting the overall high standards of the 2018 vintage.
Noteworthy Trends from the 2018 Vintage
The 2018 vintage from Pessac-Léognan and Graves is characterized by a few distinctive trends:
- Complexity and Depth: The unusual weather patterns contributed to a complexity and depth of flavor that stood out during the tasting.
- Consistency in Quality: The absence of wines in the fair and poor categories highlights the overall consistency in the quality of the wines.
- Cellaring Potential: Many of the highly recommended wines exhibit robust structure and may benefit from extended cellaring, promising increased value over time.
Experience Premium Pessac-Léognan and Graves Wines
For wine enthusiasts and investors, the 2018 Pessac-Léognan and Graves vintage represents a unique opportunity to acquire wines of exceptional quality and potential. With a combination of expert tasting evaluations and the inherent characteristics of the vintage, these wines are prime candidates for both immediate enjoyment and long-term investment.
Explore more about premium wine storage and provenance solutions at Quincy, where every bottle's journey is meticulously documented and preserved for future appreciation.
