2018 Burgundy Vintage: 10 Best Wines, Investment Potential

Often compared to the mythical 1947 vintage, the 2018 Burgundy vintage is held to be one of the region’s best years.  

The year of the heatwave, 2018, was one of Burgundy’s driest growing seasons. However, this didn’t stop producers from creating magnificent wines that would adorn the cellars of serious collectors for the next few decades. 

Let’s discover the 2018 Burgundy vintage - the harvest and winemaking, the wines’ taste and characteristics, the 10 best bottles to buy in 2022, their investment potential, and why Vinovest is the smartest way to invest in them.

2018 Burgundy Vintage Report: Harvest And Winemaking

2018’s challenging weather conditions and the producers’ exceptional winemaking techniques shaped this iconic vintage. Here’s the complete vintage report: 

What was the weather like in Burgundy in 2018?

A dry end to 2017 gave way to an explosion of rain in the southern part of the Côte dor and Côte Chalonnaise all the way to the northern end of Clos Vougeot. This proved crucial in filling up the soil's water reserves as producers prepared for the upcoming heatwave.

Winter started late in 2018, and the usual threats of hailstorms barely featured. Chassagne Montrachet and Puligny witnessed some hail but luckily suffered little damage.

For the rest of the year, warm days were the norm. The young vine plantings struggled for water, but the old vine plantings made good use of the high water tables. 

What were the harvesting conditions in 2018 in Burgundy?

Warmer vintages like 2018 lead to early flowering for both the reds and whites. This gives way to an early harvest across the region as the winemakers try to avoid high sugars in grapes and high alcohol in wine. 

Winemakers in 2018’s recent vintage report picking grapes at a 14% alcohol content and some in the Bonnes Mares vineyard were as high as 16%.  

However, inspired by Henri Jayer, some producers picked their grapes for white Burgundy wines, including Bourgogne Blanc, as soon as late August. 

The Vinegron Frédéric Mugnier, who famously commented in 2003 that he would never begin harvesting in late August, sent his pickers into Bonnes Mares as early as August 23rd.

The red grapes, especially Pinot Noir, had a lower than average yield and required a precise harvest date to ensure optimal ripeness, sweetness, and acidity. This was usually done around September 2nd. 

Mathilde Grivot of Domaine Grivot had to enlist the help of her entire family to try and prolong the vegetative cycle and achieve perfect maturity for Pinot Noir.

Jancis Robinson notes that in 1980, harvesting didn’t start until October 11th, indicating that climate change was shaping the new Burgundy wines.

What viticultural techniques were used for the 2018 Burgundy vintage wines?

Different winemakers used different practices to handle warmer vintages. 

Some wineries like Domaine Jean Grivot opted for 100% destemmed bunches. Others like Domaine Faiveley only removed some of the stems to balance the grapes’ ripeness and add freshness.

Some growers like Benjamin Leroux rented refrigerators to store their grapes. At the same time, winemakers in Côte Chalonnaise used machine harvesters to cultivate their vineyard before sunrise while the grapes were still cool.

2018 Burgundy Vintage Taste And Characteristics

2018’s refreshing whites (mostly Chardonnay) and powerful red Pinot Noirs were the star of the en primeur tastings.

2018 Burgundy White Wines: Dominique Lafon of Domaine des Comtes Lafon claimed that the white Burgundy wines have great tension and freshness. 

The white wines showcase intense yellow fruit tasting notes and a depth of flavor. Importantly, the chalky soils and uniqueness of each terroir shine through immaculately in the whites, especially from prestigious producers like Maison Louis Latour.

2018 Burgundy Red Wines: It was the reds from across the region that stole the spotlight from the whites, especially those from Grand and Premier Crus like Domaine Joseph Drouhin, Domaine Faiveley, and Domaine Jean Grivot. 

However, even lesser-known producers of Bourgogne rouge in villages like Chassagne Montrachet and Pommard had an incredible year.

Expect the reds from the recent vintage of 2018 to have silky tannins, bright red fruit flavor, balanced acidity, and the structure to age well.

10 Breathtaking 2018 Burgundy Vintage Wines To Buy In 2022

Here are 10 amazing Burgundy red and white wines to add to your collection today and their tasting notes.

• 2018 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Conti Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits 
• 2018 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Montrachet Grand Cru, Côte de Beaune 
• 2018 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti La Tache Grand Cru Monopole, Côte de Nuits 
• 2018 Domaine Georges & Christophe Roumier Les Amoureuses, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru
• 2018 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Richebourg Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits
• 2018 Domaine Jean Yves Bizot Vosne-Romanee, Côte de Nuits 
• 2018 Domaine Ramonet Montrachet Grand Cru, Côte de Beaune 
• 2018 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits 
• 2018 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits 
• 2018 Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Chambertin Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits

1. 2018 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Conti Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits ($33,578)

This red wine has a savory nose with salted butter and toasted brioche scents. It has a refined palate with fresh flowers, spice flavors, and smooth tannins.

2. 2018 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Montrachet Grand Cru, Côte de Beaune ($12,502)

Here’s a Bourgogne Blanc white wine with intense, ripe fruit and toasted nut aromas on the nose. The palate of this white Burgundy is creamy and full-bodied with fresh fruit flavors and bright acidity.

3. 2018 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti La Tache Grand Cru Monopole, Côte de Nuits ($8,233)

With a dark fruit and tobacco aroma on the nose, this Pinot Noir has noticeable wood notes, vivid acidity, and a long mineral-filled finish on the palate.

4. 2018 Domaine Georges & Christophe Roumier Les Amoureuses, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru ($6,346)

This red wine has an oaky and floral bouquet with subtle hints of sweet strawberry. The palate showcases intense dark fruit flavors with silky tannins and a long finish.

5. 2018 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Richebourg Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits ($5,414)

Here’s a fine wine with cherry, blackberry, and dark chocolate aromas on the nose. It has a rich, full-bodied palate that displays red fruit and violet flavors with bright acidity.

6. 2018 Domaine Jean Yves Bizot Vosne-Romanee, Côte de Nuits ($4,926)

This red wine has elegant aromas of ripe cherries and fresh raspberries on the nose. The palate offers elegant blood-orange flavors, coffee nuances, lively acidity, and a spicy finish.

7. 2018 Domaine Ramonet Montrachet Grand Cru, Côte de Beaune ($4,682)

Buttery and complex, this white wine has menthol, green apple, and young oak aromas on the nose. Baked apple and honey notes dominate the palate of this white Burgundy, followed by a lingering acidity and a tart finish.

8. 2018 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits ($4,542)

This red wine has a brooding aroma that reveals plum liqueur, purple fruit, and floral wisps. The palate is medium-bodied with red berry flavors and a spicy finish.

9. 2018 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits ($4,062)

Here’s a great wine with a deep aroma of concentrated dark fruit. It has a strong, full-bodied palate with velvety tannins, red fruit flavor, and substantial length.

10. 2018 Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Chambertin Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits ($3,998)

Fresh and airy aromas of red cherry, pomegranate, and earth dominate the nose of this red wine. Expect wonderfully textured tannins, sappy red fruit flavors, and complex minerals on the palate.

Investing In 2018 Burgundy Vintage Wine

Here’s everything you need to know before investing in a 2018 vintage Burgundy wine.  

How long can you cellar 2018 Burgundy vintage wine?

• Most of the 2018 white Burgundy wines are meant to be drunk young. However, whites from top Burgundy producers like Maison Louis Latour have an aging potential of 10-16 years.

• According to Berry Bros & Rudd, the 2018 red Burgundy wines have a cellaring potential of at least 20 years.

Does the price of 2018 Burgundy vintage wine appreciate with age?

As one of the most iconic vintages, the 2018 Burgundy wines show exemplary price appreciations. For example:

• A bottle of 2018 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Conti GrandCru rose by 49% from $24,313 to $36,220 between 2021 and 2022.

• Between 2021 and 2022, a bottle of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti La Tache Grand Cru Monopole rose from $5,244 to $8,323 - a whopping 59%!

How does the 2018 Burgundy vintage perform at wine auctions?

The answer, of course, is exceptionally well. Here are a few examples.

• A bottle of 2018 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses Georges Roumier sold for $2,500 at a 2021 Idealwine auction.

• At a 2021 Winebid auction, a 2018 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Corton bottle sold for $2,350.

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What do critics think of the 2018 Burgundy vintage?

2018 Burgundy Vintage: Critical Appraisal

The 2018 Burgundy vintage has received incredible reviews from some of the world's top wine critics like Allen Meadows, Wine Spectator, and Jasper Morris. Here’s what they had to say:

• William Kelley of Wine Advocate notes that the 2018 vintage’s most obvious comparison is the famed 1959 Burgundy vintage - especially considering the high yield of the white Burgundy wines.

• Allen Meadows scored the 2018 Joseph Drouhin Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches Rouge a 92/100.

• Jasper Morris of Inside Burgundy scored the 2018 Domaine Henri Boillot Montrachet Grand Cru a 96-99/100.

• Wine Spectator scored the 2018 Domaine Faiveley Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru “Les Cazetiers” 94/100 points and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gave it a 92-94/100.

Invest in an Iconic 2018 Burgundy Vintage Wine

With meticulously calculated harvest dates and a carefully scrutinized vinification process, critics and winemakers agree that 2018 has the makings of one of the best Burgundy vintages ever. 

If you’re looking to add a bottle of 2018 Burgundy vintage wine to your collection today,your best bet is to do it via a wine investment platform like Vinovest. 

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