Bordeaux En Primeur 2019: Vintage Report, 15 Best Wines

The Bordeaux En Primeur 2019 event was an unusual one due to the unexpected setbacks caused by the pandemic. 

Winemakers had to modify how they conducted tastings and lower the release prices. As a result, some of the highest quality 2019 Bordeaux vintage labels presented a unique investment opportunity, offering a great price-quality ratio.

Major wine critics praised the 2019 Bordeaux vintage for its well-balanced character and aging potential. 

Let’s discover how 2019 Bordeaux En Primeur tastings took place, the vintage report, the best wines, and their characteristics. We’ll also find out what makes Bordeaux En Primeur 2019 a good investment choice and how Vinovest can help you acquire a bottle.

The Unusual 2019 Bordeaux En Primeur Campaign

The Bordeaux En Primeur week usually occurs around March or April. 

During the campaign over 4,000 wine professionals, buyers, sommeliers, wine advisors and critics gather to taste Bordeaux’s latest vintage before the wines are bottled.

However, due to COVID-19, France went into a lockdown on March 17, 2020, and global buyers and wine critics like Jancis Robinson and Antonio Galloni couldn’t attend the event in Bordeaux (scheduled to happen in the last week of March 2020.) This meant that Chateau owners had to change their approach. 

Here’s how Bordeaux’s winemakers conducted the 2019 En Primeur Wine week:

1. Improvised Tasting Methods

Since Chateau owners could not host large tasting events as usual, they had to change a few things:

• Certain winemakers opted to send barrel samples of Bordeaux EP directly to critics and buyers overseas.
• A handful of local négociants were granted socially distanced in-person tastings at the Chateaux. 
• Leading critics and journalists had samples delivered to their homes - tastings and interviews were conducted over video stream. For example, first-growth producer Haut Brion had its 2019 En Primeur tasting wines delivered door to door by a chauffeur. 

These unusual methods came with potential risks, including the possibility of samples losing their freshness and spoilage during transportation. 

2. Reduced Prices

In order to promote the vintage, Bordeaux producers offered the 2019 En Primeur (also known as wine futures) at a significantly lower price. 

Here are a few examples of wine prices that were substantially reduced:

• Mouton Rothschild 2019 was released at a 30.8% discount compared to the previous year's vintage.    
• Leoville Las Cases 2019 was released at $145 per bottle, which is 23% less than the release price for the 2018 vintage ($190.)
• Chateau Palmer 2019 was released at $170 per bottle compared to its previous vintage which had an initial price of $226 per bottle - a 33% decrease.  

Bordeaux En Primeur 2019 Vintage Report

The 2019 Bordeaux received great reviews from critics. 

It’s believed that the extra month or two of barrel aging resulted in wines with richer flavor and fuller body (compared to previous vintages.)

But the weather conditions during the growing season also contributed to shaping this powerful vintage. 

In the spring months, 5% of the Bordeaux vineyards were affected by hail. The region also experienced two heat waves and no rainfall towards the end of summer. Most of Bordeaux’s Merlot grapes were picked during these dry conditions, contributing to a higher alcohol content and richer tannins in some wines. 

The Merlot and Cabernet grapes harvested in September 2019 had lower sugar levels and higher acidity due to the heavy rainfall that occurred towards the end of the month. This resulted in rich and complex wines with great freshness, delicate balance, and lingering finish. 

The best 2019 Bordeaux red wines are a blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc and hail from the Médoc, Pessac-Léognan, and St Emilion appellations.

The region’s white wine grapes benefited from the cool and wet spring months. Most of Bordeaux’s Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes were harvested by mid-September under warmer conditions. 

As a result, the 2019 white wines turned out crisp and incredibly aromatic. 

Bordeaux En Primeur 2019 Wine Characteristics

Overall, Bordeaux 2019 red wines exhibit incredible freshness and balance with rich fruit flavors and concentration, high alcohol, and supple tannins. 

The white wines are bright with subtle acidity, citrus and floral notes. 

Average alcohol levels in the 2019 vintage are around 14% ABV.

1. Left Bank Wines

Bordeaux’s 2019 Left Bank wines are more elegant and structured than the 2018 vintage. 

Throughout the Médoc, the 2019 Bordeaux En Primeur wines exhibit great body and fruitiness. They are characterized by exceptional complexity and freshness on the palate and the nose.

The tannins are well-structured, and the acidity is excellent, guaranteeing great aging potential. 

The Left Bank white wines like Château Talbot Caillou Blanc 2019 are energetic with refreshing, aromatic qualities and creaminess. 

2. Right Bank Wines

The Premier Cru Right Bank wines are similar to the 2018 vintage - rich and decadent but with higher acidity levels. 

Pomerol and St Emilion produced some of the best labels from this vintage and exhibit intensely concentrated and flavorsome characteristics. 

The Bordeaux 2019 dry white wine labels are aromatic, refreshing, and beautifully acidic with delicious fruit flavor. 

The Sauternes and Barsac sweet white wines are refreshing, with balanced acidity and flavor.

15 Leading Bordeaux En Primeur 2019 Wines to Invest In

Here are the best Bordeaux 2019 vintage wines:

• 2019 Château Margaux
• 2019 Chateau Clinet, Pomerol
• 2019 Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac
• 2019 Château Latour, Pauillac 
• 2019 Château Calon Ségur, Saint Estèphe
• 2019 Pichon Comtesse de Lalande 
• 2019 Chateau Cheval Blanc 'Le Petit Cheval', Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
• 2019 Château Pontet Canet
• 2019 Château Leoville Las Cases 'Grand Vin de Leoville', Saint-Julien
• 2019 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc, Pessac-Leognan
• 2019 Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac
• 2019 AltO de Cantenac Brown
• 2019 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc
• 2019 Château Cheval Blanc, St Emilion Grand Cru
• 2019 Chateau Troplong Mondot

1. 2019 Château Margaux ($834)

This impressive red wine has sumptuous tannins and delicious black fruit and exotic spice flavors. The finish is long, with a beautiful nose and majestic structure. 

Critic Scores:  

• Neal Martin: 96-98
• James Suckling: 99-100

2.  2019 Chateau Clinet, Pomerol ($136)

This divine offering from winemaker Ronan Laborde is full-bodied with coconut, chocolate, and dark fruit flavors. 

Critic Scores:

• Robert Parker: 95-97
• Jeff Leve: 99-100

3. 2019 Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac ($800)

Here we have an outstanding intense garnet red wine from one of the most renowned Grand Cru Classe producers. It’s fresh, with a precise nose and black fruit flavors. 

Critic Scores:

• Jane Anson: 98
• Jeb Dunnuck: 97-99

4. 2019 Château Latour, Pauillac ($837)

Here’s a delectable red wine with complex oak, tobacco, and licorice flavors. It has a delicate tannin mouthfeel, balanced acidity, and a delightfully lingering finish.

Critic Scores:

• Jean-Marc Quarin: 97-100
• Anthocyanes - Yohan Castaing: 97-99 

5. 2019 Château Calon Ségur, Saint Estèphe ($135)

This is a beautifully balanced and rich wine with enticing floral aromas and sumptuous texture. The palate is reminiscent of decadent blackcurrant, cherry, and oak, with a satisfying long, acidic finish.

Critic Scores:

• Jane Anson: 95
• Robert Parker: 95-97

6. 2019 Pichon Comtesse de Lalande ($262)

Here we have a bold, layered Bordeaux wine with initial berries, chocolate, and vanilla notes. It’s well-balanced, with terrific minerality and elegant tannins. 

Critic Scores:

• Robert Parker: 97-99
• Neil Martin: 98-100

7. 2019 Chateau de Fieuzal, Pessac-Leognan ($39)

Here’s a seductive red wine with a fruity and fresh nose, and flavors of juicy blackcurrant, smoke, and vanilla.

Critic Scores:

• Jane Anson: 93
• Jeff Leve: 92

8.  2019 Château Pontet Canet ($147)

This exceptional dry Château Pontet Canet wine is made up of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. It has gorgeous chocolate and cherry aromas and crème de cassis, plum preserves, and licorice flavors.

Critic Scores:

• Jane Anson: 98
• Wine Advocate - Robert Parker: 98-100

9. 2019 Chateau Leoville Las Cases 'Grand Vin de Leoville', Saint-Julien ($242)

Here’s a deep and layered wine with intense aromas, powerful freshness, and supple tannins. Critics agree this splendid wine is sure to age beautifully. 

Critic Scores:

• Jane Anson: 98
• Wine Advocate - Robert Parker- 97-99

10. 2019 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc, Pessac-Leognan ($678)

This delicious full-bodied wine has refreshing honeysuckle, lemon, and peach aromas, with hints of spice and ample acidity. 

Critic Scores:

• Jeff Leve: 97
• Jane Anson: 95

11. 2019 Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac ($932)

Here’s an elegant yet full-bodied ruby wine with concentrated tannins, rose, tobacco, and cedar notes. 

Critic Scores:

• Robert Parker: 97-99
• Jane Anson: 98

12. 2019 AltO de Cantenac Brown ($38)

This bright and fruity white Bordeaux is crisp with yellow fruit and green apple flavors, satisfying acidity and creaminess on the palate.

Critic Scores:

• Jeff Leve: 91
• Jane Anson: 94

13. 2019 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc ($142)

Here’s a refreshing white wine with floral and fruit notes, and a lush, creamy mouthfeel with hints of honey and citrus on the palate. 

Critic Scores:

• Jeff Leve: 97
• Jean-Marc Quarin: 96

14. 2019 Château Cheval Blanc, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru ($611)

This aromatic and complex wine entices with wildberry and plum aromas and delicious flavors of violets, cocoa, licorice, and crushed mint. 

Critic Scores:

• Jane Anson: 98
• Jeff Leve: 100

15. 2019 Chateau Troplong Mondot ($101)

With black cherry, plum, and dark spice flavors, this splendid Bordeaux wine has lovely earthy floral notes and complex aromas. 

Critic Scores:

• Jane Anson: 93
• Jean-Marc Quarin: 95

Why Bordeaux En Primeur 2019 Is A Good Investment

The 2019 Bordeaux vintage is a good investment choice because of its superb quality and great aging potential. Additionally, the release prices are significantly lower than previous years, so the chances of a great return on investment are higher.   

The lower release prices presented a great opportunity for investors to snatch the vintage at a bargain, especially the Premier Cru Classé wines like Chateau Mouton Rothschild. 

These wines also show impressive price appreciation trends:

• The price for 2019 Mouton Rothschild increased a staggering 90%, from $423 in 2020 to $804 in 2022.
• The 2019 Haut Brion appreciated an impressive 73%, from $381 in 2020 to $626 in 2022. 

Next, let’s discover the best way to invest in Bordeaux and other noteworthy wines. 

Invest in Bordeaux En Primeur Wines Through Vinovest

The easiest way to purchase Bordeaux En Primeur and other coveted wines is through a reputable wine investment company like Vinovest. 

Vinovest makes fine wine buying a breeze by helping you curate an authentic portfolio of wines from around the world, including France, South Africa, Hong Kong, and New Zealand. 

Vinovest’s fine wine team of Master Sommeliers will help you build a well-balanced portfolio of handpicked En Primeur and other collectible wine bottles. 

Additionally, Vinovest will store your wines in bonded warehouses under optimal storage conditions. They also insure your precious bottles against breakage, loss, and theft. 

To get started, you just need to follow these steps:

• Sign up.
• Answer a questionnaire telling us your goals, investment preferences and risk appetite.
• Add funds to your account (minimum $1,000.)
• Build your wine portfolio. 
• Watch your portfolio grow over time. 

Add a Superb 2019 Bordeaux to Your Portfolio 

Bordeaux En Primeur 2019 is a stellar vintage that quickly became a favorite among wine critics and enthusiasts. 

The annual Bordeaux En Primeur week is a great way to purchase delectable Bordeaux wines while they’re young and still affordable. But without the right connections in the wine industry, it may be difficult to get your hands on an excellent vintage like the 2019 Bordeaux.

Fortunately, Vinovest can help you source, store, and sell En Primeur and other authenticated fine wine bottles easily.