The excellent 2020 vintage. As Bordeaux specialists, each year when the latest vintage of En Primeur arrives, we like to taste the best of the best.
The 1st Growths are amongst the finest red wines in the world, and have held this position for hundreds of years. Embark on the vinous journey of a lifetime as we taste our way through the greatest châteaux of the excellent 2020 vintage.
The 2020 vintage rose amidst adversity to complete a trilogy of great vintages. Not since the 1989, 1999 and 1990 vintages have we seen a trio of vintages as smart as the 2018, 2019 and now 2020. Whilst there have been pairs of exceptional vintages, 2009, 2010 and, until now, 2018 and 2019, the recent string of quality in Bordeaux is being touted as something quite special.
The quality of the 2020 vintage is very good indeed, wines with concentration of fruit, fresh acidity and a high level of purity. Expressing their individual appellations fiercely this year, the weather conditions providing excellent canvases for this to be presented. Quantity is low. On average, the region is down around 10% on the 2019 vintage. Whilst recent vintages have seen a downward trend in quantity, the 2020 is one of the lowest in the last 10 years. The quantities lowest in Margaux and St Julien where quantity was more affected by the drought conditions.
The 2020 vintage in Bordeaux brings back mixed emotions for vignerons around the world. Countries battened down the hatches as Covid caused havoc globally. The grapes keep on growing; the vineyard does not rest. Everything needed to be approached with a singular focus of keeping people safe as the number one priority. Despite these and many more challenges, the 2020 vintage has emerged triumphant and this tasting is your opportunity to try the finest.
We will be tasting wines from four of the famed ‘First Growths’ from the 1855 classification, Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Haut Brion and Château Margaux. These cabernet sauvignon dominant wines have been the favoured drink of royalty for centuries. Thomas Jefferson famously visited and placed the first orders for the United States in 1787. From the Right Bank we also have the legendary Château Cheval Blanc and for an exceptionally rare treat, we will also be tasting Château Petrus.
We know these estates extremely well. Our General Manager Liz Wheadon, and Victoria Park Site Manager Zane Winskill will lead you through the history, stories and winemaking of each of them. We also always have some exciting extras to round off the evening. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to try these phenomenal wines side by side in this once in a lifetime tasting. (Liz Wheadon) χPN
The details:
Event: BORDEAUX 2020 FIRST GROWTH TASTING
Event Date: 7pm Wednesday, 30 August. Event Cost: $699.
Event Location: Glengarry Wines, 118 Wellesley Street West www.glengarrywines.co.nz
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Published: 31 July 2023