Author: Dirk Chan
If not for COVID-19, I would be talking to you and soliciting interest for the 2019 Bordeaux Futures campaign. Normally, the world would be descending on Bordeaux to taste the 2019 vintage with the Chateaux presenting, the negociants tasting and avid drinkers from all over the world also tasting. Well, everything is postponed at the moment and the entire En Primeur is on hold.
There is talk to squeeze the campaign in for September although that seems quite optimistic as different countries are at different stages of the pandemic. Plus, they will be competing with other releases from all around the world that ironically and historically have pushed their releases back so as not to not compete with the Bordeaux Futures campaign. There are rumors also that the Bordelais will come to us with samples or alternatively supply samples to longtime negociants who can present to the retail buyers – now if this happens, it would definitely be a first.
Finally, I personally agree with those who are for pushing the 2019 campaign to next spring at this same time – the wines would be a year older and a lot closer to their final character, it would also allow the world’s economy to settle down. I am doubtful it would be a successful campaign at this point with so much uncertainty about jobs, the economy, American tarrifs on French wines, diminishing interest from Asia, falling dollar etc etc.
I guess we all have to wait to see what will transpire. Irregardless, the 2019 vintage will be linked to COVID-19 for eternity.
Oh, and by the way, it is a great vintage with the richness of 2018 and the purity of 2016.
Stay tuned everyone..