1991 Bordeaux

There’s not much to say about the Bordeaux 1991s, except, what a shame! The year of one of the worst frosts in this region in recorded history, very little wine was made this year. The frost struck on April 20th/21st, with temperatures dipping to nearly minus 10 degrees Celsius in some areas. The right bank and Sauternes/Barsac were hardest hit. The Médoc vineyards closest to the estuary were less impacted, yet just about everywhere took some damage. If the freeze hadn’t been so severe, there might have been some hope for the second-generation buds, but these never panned out.

The summer of 1991 was mostly warm and dry, but the end of August brought some rain and humid conditions, resulting in grey rot for some areas. Into the red grape harvest season at the end of September and again in mid-October, the rains got heavier and heavier. Ultimately, the vintage was a near complete washout throughout Bordeaux.

Most of the small amounts of wines produced in 1991 were for early drinking. Few, if any, are still worthy of buying consideration today. However, 1991 was an excellent vintage for Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Thus, anyone looking for this vintage in particular should have a look for wines from there.