2025 is a singular vintage that is characterized by terrific quality for many chateaux, tempered only by low yields – the lowest across the region since the disastrous frost-affected 1991 vintage. It is highly unusual in that is a vintage that was warm, sunny and dry, yet the wines contain high acidities and moderate alcohol levels, mostly in the 13%-13.5% range, to go along with their ripe, rich fruit and silky tannins. This unique combination is thanks to a warm, sunny growing season, cool temperatures at nighttime and careful work in the vineyards to maintain canopy cover to protect the grapes. Gentle infusions and macerations in the winery also determined the fresh, vibrant structures that are such a hallmark of 2025.
In general wines of all three styles are superb. The reds have concentrated, pure fruit profiles with outstanding freshness and low pHs, plus alcohol levels that are along more traditional lines; the best wines from both banks have inner depth, tension, textural purity and supple, silky tannic structures to match the finest wines from the top vintages, while there are many bottlings underneath the top tier that offer tremendous quality at what ought be competitive pricing. The dry whites have pungent aromatics that lean more towards citrus and stone fruits instead of being herbaceous, with superb intensity, creamy textures and excellent balancing acidity, while the sweet wines of Sauternes and Barsac are full-bodied, contain outstanding concentration and fine balancing acidity to hold them together for successful ageing.
Overall, this is a vintage for both drinkers and collectors, and without taking pricing into account, is one that we highly recommend!