2018 is unquestionably an extraordinary vintage: the very wet winter and spring; the long, dry summer. The former had, potentially, the greatest impact on the volume of wine produced, the latter on its style and quality, though three dry...
Bordeaux 2018 part 1 – the growing season
Wednesday 17 April 2019
In this first part of her overview, Julia looks at what happened in the vineyard, how the extreme conditions of the year would affect the wines and which varieties shone. In part 2, to be published on Monday, she reports on the style and quality of the wines. See this guide for links to the rest of our coverage of Bordeaux 2018.
Become a member to continue reading
Celebrating 25 years of building the world’s most trusted wine community
In honour of our anniversary, enjoy 25% off all annual and gift memberships for a limited time.
Use code HOLIDAY25 to join our community of wine experts and enthusiasts. Valid through 1 January.
Member
$135
/year
Ideal for wine enthusiasts
- Access 285,307 wine reviews & 15,802 articles
- Access The Oxford Companion to Wine & The World Atlas of Wine
Inner Circle
$249
/year
Ideal for collectors
- Access 285,307 wine reviews & 15,802 articles
- Access The Oxford Companion to Wine & The World Atlas of Wine
- Early access to the latest wine reviews & articles, 48 hours in advance
Professional
$299
/year
For individual wine professionals
- Access 285,307 wine reviews & 15,802 articles
- Access The Oxford Companion to Wine & The World Atlas of Wine
- Early access to the latest wine reviews & articles, 48 hours in advance
- Commercial use of up to 25 wine reviews & scores for marketing
Business
$399
/year
For companies in the wine trade
- Access 285,307 wine reviews & 15,802 articles
- Access The Oxford Companion to Wine & The World Atlas of Wine
- Early access to the latest wine reviews & articles, 48 hours in advance
- Commercial use of up to 250 wine reviews & scores for marketing
More Inside information
Inside information
A look back – and forward – at the world’s oldest wine charity auction, from a former bidder.
On Sunday...
Inside information
The fourth of a new seven-part podcast series giving the definitive story of Jancis’s life and career so far. For...
Inside information
Montalcino has finally produced a map of its vineyards but 2021 reveals the producers that triumph irrespective of geography. Such...
Inside information
Despite the incessant rain, another vintage to add to the region’s run of good years. Above, the River Rhône viewed...
More from JancisRobinson.com
Free for all
What do you get the wine lover who already has everything? Membership of JancisRobinson.com of course! (And especially now, when...
Free for all
A wide range of delicious reds for drinking and sharing over the holidays. A very much shorter version of this...
Wines of the week
A rare Austrian variety revived and worthy of a place at the table. From €13.15, £20.10, $24.19.
It was pouring...
Tasting articles
The fine sparkling-wine producers of Oregon are getting organised. Above, Lytle-Barnett’s Windfall vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon (credit: Lester...
Tasting articles
More than 120 Greek wines tasted in the Peloponnese and in London. This peacock in the grounds of Mercouri estate...
Book reviews
A scathing take on the wine industry that reminds us to keep asking questions – about wine, and about everything...
Tasting articles
The wines Brunello producers are most proud of from the 2021 vintage, assessed. See also Walter’s overview of the vintage...
Tasting articles
Wines for the festive season, pulled from our last month of tastings. Above, fog over the California vineyards of Haliotide...