As the dust settles on the 2023 En-Primeur campaign, many in the wine community have labeled it a failure.
Despite this, there remain numerous intriguing wines from the 2023 vintage on merchants' lists, promising delivery within a year.
These wines, often recognized for their reasonable pricing, present ample opportunities for savvy buyers. Reassessing the lineup with a focus on Quality-Price Ratio (QPR) could uncover some hidden gems.
Revisiting the QPR Formula
Our QPR assessment deviates from the usual bang-for-buck approach. For this review, there were prioritized weighted critic scores over a simple score-divided-by-price system. This method compares aggregated critics' scores with the wine's global average ex-tax price, providing a more nuanced understanding of value.
Applying this formula to the Bordeaux 2023 vintage wines listed on the Wine-Searcher database, we compiled the top 20 wines based on QPR. It will briefly explore the wines ranked 20th to 11th before delving into the top 10, revealing several surprises that may entice collectors.
The Context of the 2023 Vintage
The 2023 vintage is notable for the success of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Consequently, we might expect top QPR wines to be dominated by these varietals, primarily from Médoc's leading appellations.
Wines Ranked by Wine-Searcher:
Insights and Recommendations
The selection of the Quality/Price Top 20 wines from the 2023 Bordeaux en-primeurs presents an intriguing snapshot of the current market. This compilation is not dominated by any single region within Bordeaux, highlighting the diversity and quality across the appellation. The distribution includes 10 wines from the Right Bank and nine from the Left Bank, showcasing a broad spectrum of Bordeaux’s wine-making prowess.
Right Bank Representation
On the Right Bank, the lineup includes:
- Pomerol: 2 wines
- Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé: 3 wines
- Saint-Émilion 1er Grand Cru Classé (B): 4 wines
- Côtes de Bordeaux Castillon: 1 wine
This variety underscores the strength and appeal of the Right Bank, particularly the Saint-Émilion appellation, which is well-represented with high-quality wines. The inclusion of a wine from the lesser-known Côtes de Bordeaux Castillon also highlights the region's potential for value.
Left Bank Representation
From the Left Bank, the selection includes:
- Pessac-Léognan: 2 wines
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Médoc:
- Margaux: 1 wine
- Saint-Julien: 2 wines
- Pauillac: 3 wines
- Saint-Estèphe: 1 wine
The Médoc line-up features a mix of second and fifth growths, showcasing both the elite and the more accessible wines from this prestigious region. The presence of wines from Pessac-Léognan adds to the Left Bank's diversity, known for its unique terroir and high-quality Cabernet-dominant blends.
Cabernet vs. Merlot Dominance
Despite expectations that Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wines would dominate the top QPR list, this is not entirely the case. Notable properties like Châteaux Les Carmes Haut-Brion and Trotte Vieille, known for their higher proportions of Cabernet Franc, feature prominently. However, the significant presence of Merlot-dominated wines such as Châteaux Beau-Sejour Becot, Clos du Clocher, Pavie Macquin, and Barde-Haut in the top 10 demonstrates the excellent value and quality Merlot wines produced in 2023.
The underlying fact about the 2023 Bordeaux vintage is its excellent balance and aging potential. These wines promise superb drinking experiences over the coming decades. For those with the financial means, investing in these wines en-primeur can be highly rewarding. The diversity and quality across the Right and Left Banks, combined with attractive pricing, make the 2023 vintage a compelling choice for wine enthusiasts and collectors.
Source: Wine-Searcher