As we come out of the pandemic and the world beings to reopen, we’re seeing renewed energy, innovation and creativity in every sector. In the spirit of that rebirth, we’ve decided to make a few modifications ourselves!
For this Bordeaux Futures campaign we’ll be working in tandem with our kids, James & Victoria Norman at Double P Imports. Be sure to check out their site with the first releases for the 2020 vintage: Châteaux Tour Saint Christophe, Bellefont-Belcier & Enclos Tourmaline.
All subsequent Bordeaux Futures will be managed by them exclusively, while we will continue to concentrate on sales of mature-deliverable vintages. (With that in mind, be sure to take a look at the list of exceptional products below featuring vintages from 2016 to 1989 — all drinking beautifully now.)
Critics view this newest vintage as part of a great Bordeaux trilogy — 2018, 2019 & 2020. Photo by Marla Norman.
2020 Bordeaux Vintage
The vintage itself was produced under mostly favorable weather conditions, in spite of a wet spring and exceedingly warm summer. In general, the growing season followed a similar pattern to 2016, 2018 and 2019. Early budbreak led to an early flowering in May, which was fortunate, as the vast majority of the harvest was in by September, just before heavy rains in October. Many estates did experience lower yields because of the heat and drought, but the overall quality is very high.
Critics view this vintage as part of a great Bordeaux trilogy — 2018, 2019 & 2020 — with this most recent vintage coming in as a more classic Bordeaux than the 2018, with the freshness and balance of the 2019. Ratings submitted by critics thus far seem a bit higher than for both the 2018s and 2019s.
Yield is approximately 10% lower than with the previous two vintages, and could therefore generate a price increase. Nonetheless, considering the reductions from last year, this vintage will still most likely be well-priced. Also critical is the early frost that devastated many estates this spring. Growers are expecting much, much lower yields for 2021, again enhancing the appeal of 2020.
Finally, the significance of the year 2020 itself can’t be overlooked. These wines — produced at the beginning of a new decade in the midst of a worldwide pandemic — are an historical benchmark, the likes of which we haven’t seen in quite some time.
Terms of purchase
Those of you who have participated in our Bordeaux Futures releases in the past, know to expect offers first thing in the morning. Top-tier wines sell out fast, so respond quickly. If you are interested in particular estates, please write to Victoria Norman (norman.vic@gmail.com) so that she can be sure to contact you when the properties release offers.
Terms will be identical to past campaigns, with one-half payment due in July and the balance in October. The wines will, of course be delivered two years from estate release. Customers wanting magnums must order a full case or six bottles. Many properties no longer offer half-bottles, but requests can be made once an order is confirmed. All special format bottling requires an extra charge.
Many thanks for your support in the past. We look forward to your continued support as we move into this new decade and a new generation.
BORDEAUX available NOW!
All products can be ordered directly online. Write mthibaultwine@gmail.com or call 850-687-1370 for additional information.
Cheers!
