New Vintage Charts – Updated March 2022

I have just updated the vintage charts for red and white Burgundies.

New is the evaluation of the 2020s: a tremendous year that comes after the magnificent 2019 vintage. I have rated both these vintages now, with the 2019s edging ahead of the ’20s for reds, but with the 2020s having the edge on the ’19s for whites.

This was close, and to a large degree is a question of individual taste and palate. The 2019s are more exuberant and exotic, while the 2020s are more acidity-driven and classical.

The white ’19s have been upgraded in this new classification, as their exotic energy and liveliness really show well, and give quite a boost to their hedonistic qualities.

The bottom line, however, is that 2020 shows a slightly larger variation in quality. Hence, somea are extremely good, while some (for various reasons) are a bit off the mark.

Last but not least, the 2020s in the most cases have less exuberant phenolics than the ’19s; they are less seductive and outright hedonistic.

Check out the red and the white vintage charts here.

Updating previous vintages

I have made minor adjustments to earlier vintages; particularly, the readiness to drink has been updated. White vintages before 2010 should be looked at regularly, as many of them are starting to reach full maturity.

Follow your older whites

I strongly recommend following older whites quite closely, as vintages like 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002 are starting to have mature notes, and some are perhaps even passing their peak. These vintages can be lovely still, but they require a good, cool cellar, not to mention a bit of luck and a good buying strategy – which includes selling!

The P word

Premox has declined dramatically, but one still finds evidence of the problem until at least 2015.

With Diam closures this should be more or less eliminated. But with natural cork, it can still be found.

I feel nonetheless that the problem has been reduced dramatically, and while one should always be wary with vintages older than 2014, we are able to enjoy white wines more freely these days.