Which years are considered the "great vintages" of Bordeaux?

What are the "Great Vintages" of Bordeaux?

Hey, asking about Bordeaux's great vintages? That's a classic topic among wine lovers. I've tasted quite a few Bordeaux wines and studied some vintages, so let me give you a quick rundown. So-called "great vintages" refer to years when the weather in Bordeaux was exceptionally favorable—ample sunshine, moderate rainfall, and no major disasters—allowing the grapes to ripen perfectly. This results in wines of outstanding quality, with balanced flavors and strong aging potential. Of course, this isn't absolute, as each château's situation varies a bit, but some vintages are universally recognized as classics. Below, I'll categorize them by era and list some of the most famous ones for you.

Classic Great Vintages of the 20th Century

These are legendary among older wine enthusiasts. Many bottles are still expensive today, but they're worth every penny:

1945: A bountiful harvest after WWII, producing powerful, incredibly long-lived wines.
1947: A heatwave year, yielding exceptionally concentrated, sweet wines—especially famous in Pomerol.
1959: Perfectly balanced, rich in fruit, many wines are still fantastic today.
1961: Hailed as the vintage of the century—elegant, complex wines, with Château Margaux particularly outstanding.
1982: A modern classic, awarded high scores by Robert Parker. Wines are fruit-forward with refined tannins.

Modern Great Vintages of the 21st Century

Wines from these vintages are easier to find and relatively more affordable. I've collected a few bottles from 2009 and 2010 myself—truly thrilling to drink:

2000: The start of the new millennium, producing wines with superb balance, ideal for long-term aging.
2005: Ideal weather resulted in structured wines, with Left Bank châteaux excelling.
2009: A warm year yielding opulent, explosively fruity wines—many critics awarded perfect scores.
2010: The twin to 2009, but more elegant with higher acidity—Right Bank regions like Pomerol are especially stellar.
2015: A recent standout, producing fresh, vibrant wines suitable for early drinking or cellaring.
2016: High balance, often compared to 1982, with immense potential.
2018 and 2019: Emerging stars—full-bodied wines gaining increasing recognition.

Overall, wines from these vintages are typically more valuable and worth investing in or collecting. But remember, not every château excels in every great vintage—for example, the Left Bank (Médoc) and Right Bank (Saint-Émilion) can perform differently. When buying, check critics' scores (like Parker's) or consult a reputable merchant. If you're just starting out, try the 2009 or 2010 vintages—they offer great value. If you have questions about specific châteaux, just ask!