Tension and Purity: Why Bordeaux's 2024 White Wines Deserve the Spotlight
📖 Read Time: Approx. 13–14 minutes
A single sniff was all it took. That's all it took for this white wine to send me down a rabbit hole of discovery. What a wine! What vibrant and piercing acidity that penetrates the soul! The mineral tension is something we have not seen in quite some time in Bordeaux whites. This single glass convinced me that something extraordinary was happening with the 2024 vintage.
A moment of discovery! That first sniff revealing the vibrant acidity and mineral tension that makes 2024 White Bordeaux so extraordinary
I'm surprised that very few are talking about how beautifully built the whites were this year, and I thought it wise to highlight this. While the spotlight often shines on Bordeaux's reds, the 2024 white wines deserve special attention.
In a year where Mother Nature offered a perfect balance of conditions, Bordeaux's 2024 white wines emerge with extraordinary freshness and complexity, rivaling the region's celebrated reds.
The Bordeaux 2024 En Primeur campaign is underway, and while the region's renowned red wines often take center stage, the white wines from this vintage are capturing the imagination of critics and collectors alike. With interesting growing conditions and varied results across appellations, the 2024 whites deserve special attention and careful selection.
General Characteristics of Bordeaux White Wine
Bordeaux produces both dry and sweet white wines, each with distinct styles and profiles:
Dry White Bordeaux
Primarily made from SĂ©millon and Sauvignon Blanc, these wines often feature a blend of citrus, floral, and sometimes grassy notes. Depending on the winemaking process, dry whites can range from light and fruity to rich and creamy, especially when fermented and aged in oak barrels.
This versatility allows for a broad spectrum of styles, from the crisp, citrusy freshness of Sauvignon Blanc to the richer, rounder textures contributed by SĂ©millon.
Sweet White Bordeaux
Made mainly in the Sauternes and Barsac appellations, these wines are crafted from grapes affected by noble rot (Botrytis Cinerea), resulting in rich, honeyed flavors. Expect notes of apricot, butterscotch, and tropical fruits, with the botrytized grapes adding an intriguing complexity and sweetness.
2024 Bordeaux Summary (En Primeur)
Focus on Pessac, Graves, Bordeaux Blanc, Sauternes & Barsac
Botrytis-affected grapes in Sauternes. A reminder of the vintage’s challenges and unique character in this famed sweet wine region.
🌤️ Vintage Overview: 2024
For the most part the white varieties were ripe and ready to harvest before September's heavy rains. The struggle to ripen fruit for red wines was not an issue for producers of the earlier-ripening white varieties.
That said, 2024 was a heterogeneous vintage, some were affected by late-season rainfall and challenges with botrytis onset in sweet wine regions. Yields were often low, and ripeness and balance were uneven, particularly in Sauternes and Barsac. For dry whites, the vintage produced wines with fresh aromatics and moderate alcohol, with acidity and texture varying based on vineyard management and harvest timing..
Graves & Pessac-LĂ©ognan (White)
Dry whites showed excellent freshness in the best cases, with notes of citrus, white flowers, and orchard fruit. Sauvignon Blanc brought zingy tension, while SĂ©millon added body and texture. Examples from top estates were tense, floral, and age-worthy, with striking minerality and mouthwatering acidity in the finest examples.
Bordeaux Blanc (Broader Appellation)
Wines under this label (including generic Bordeaux Blanc) showed high drinkability, with good expression of lime zest, gooseberry, and grapefruit. The best examples maintained a zippy freshness and moderate alcohol, with lower yields in places adding to intensity.
Sauvignon Blanc dominance made these wines light, aromatic, and early-drinking, though some showed good weight and mid-palate depth thanks to Sémillon inclusion—perfect for earlier consumption rather than long aging.
🍯 Sauternes & Barsac
A difficult vintage overall, with uneven botrytis development. Many wines showed a lack of harmony between sugar and acidity, with some lacking the botrytis complexity that defines great vintages.
Flavor Profile:
Pineapple (fresh & roasted), confit lime, ginger, crème brûlée, saffron, apricot, peanut brittle, butterscotch
Salinity and floral lift added dimension in the best examples
Some wines were viscous and sweet but lacked drive or freshness, especially where acidity was insufficient
Regional Differences: Barsac wines (e.g., Doisy-Daëne, Cantegril) generally showed more tension and vibrancy compared to Sauternes.
Standout Producers:
Top performers: Doisy-Daëne (complex, sapid, holistic), Lafaurie-Peyraguey (textured, vibrant acidity, great finesse), L'Extravagant de Doisy-Daëne (singular, massively concentrated)
Solid Structure: Clos Haut-Peyraguey and Guiraud showed solid structure and fruit purity
Underperformers: Some wines like Bastor-Lamontagne and Broustet felt gloopy or disjointed, needing time or showing less promise
Common Ground and Thematic Notes
Aromatic Commonality: Lime zest, pineapple, confit citrus, ginger, white flowers, and beurre noisette found across multiple wine styles.
Stylistic Evolution: Many producers are now favoring freshness and earlier picking, leading to tension over opulence in both dry and sweet whites.
Ageing Potential: Variable – the top sweet wines and dry whites from premier estates will age gracefully; others may be better enjoyed young due to lacking acidity or complexity.
Production Notes: Sauternes & Barsac continue to refine their identity, and in some cases, smaller quantities or no grand vin were produced (e.g., Climens).
Tasting Notes & What to Expect
Based on the comprehensive vintage analysis, expect dry whites from Pessac-LĂ©ognan to showcase vibrant aromas of lemon zest, lime blossom and white flowers, though with varying intensity depending on the producer. The best examples maintain a striking minerality and mouthwatering acidity, while others might show less tension.
Wines from the broader Bordeaux Blanc appellation will offer high drinkability with good expression of lime zest, gooseberry, and grapefruit. Perfect for earlier consumption. The Sauvignon Blanc dominance makes these wines light and aromatic, though the better examples with SĂ©millon inclusion show good weight and mid-palate depth.
The sweet wines present a more complicated picture. The best producers from Barsac (notably Doisy-Daëne) show tension and vibrancy, while some Sauternes examples lack harmony between sugar and acidity. Look for complex notes of pineapple, confit lime, ginger, crème brûlée, saffron, apricot, and butterscotch in the successful examples, with the presence of salinity and floral lift adding welcome dimension.
Food Pairings for 2024 Bordeaux Whites
With its vibrant acidity and rich, honeyed depth, Barsac is surprisingly versatile. Pairing beautifully with both sweet and savoury dishes, such as seared smoked paprika tiger prawns and grilled pineapple.
Dry White Bordeaux: Elegant & Versatile
With their bright acidity, citrusy freshness, and occasional oak-influenced richness, dry whites from Bordeaux particularly those based on Sauvignon Blanc and SĂ©millon are wonderfully food-friendly.
Pairing Suggestions:
Fresh seafood: Oysters, grilled prawns, or samaki wa kupaka (coconut-grilled fish). The wine’s acidity complements the richness of coconut and enhances ocean flavours.
Grilled or roasted chicken: Especially with lemon and herbs, or dishes like kienyeji chicken cooked with garlic and fresh coriander.
Goat cheese or young Comté: Their tangy profile pairs well with the citrus and herbal notes of Sauvignon Blanc.
Vegetable dishes: Steamed or sautéed managu (African nightshade) with light seasoning, or sukuma wiki served with a touch of lemon.
Chapati and light stews: A rounded white with gentle oak influence pairs nicely with chapati served alongside lentil stew or ndengu.
For fuller-bodied examples from Pessac-Léognan like Château La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc, try pairing with creamy ndizi na nazi (green bananas in coconut sauce) or a mushroom-based pilau.
Sweet White Bordeaux: Indulgent & Complex
The luxurious, botrytized wines from Sauternes and Barsac offer vibrant acidity and rich, honeyed depth making them excellent with both sweet and savory tropical dishes.
Pairing Suggestions:
Foie gras or chicken liver pâté: A decadent classic, but also lovely with mutura (Kenyan blood sausage) if served with sweet chutney.
Blue cheese: Roquefort, or try with a local cheese like Laikipia blue, served with raw honey or pineapple jam.
Spicy tropical cuisine: Dishes with chili, ginger, or coconut — such as kachumbari with pili pili, coconut chicken curry, or nyama choma with a fruity salsa shine with the wine’s balancing sweetness.
Glazed meats: Think honey-glazed pork ribs or festive dishes like goat stew with dried mango.
Desserts: Mango tart, coconut mandazi, or sweet potato pudding are enhanced by Sauternes' notes of apricot, caramel, and spice.
Try Château Suduiraut or Château Coutet with a slice of pineapple upside-down cake or mahamri filled with cardamom-scented custard.
Pricing & Value Considerations
Given the heterogeneous nature of the 2024 vintage, pricing strategies vary across estates. There are compelling opportunities for savvy buyers, particularly for top dry whites from Pessac-Léognan and Graves. Château Malescot St-Exupéry's white is being offered at approximately 15% below the 2023 vintage price, presenting good value given the quality available from the best producers.
For sweet wines, the variable quality means selective purchasing is essential. The standout performers like Doisy-Daëne, Lafaurie-Peyraguey, and L'Extravagant de Doisy-Daëne offer the best investment potential, while lesser examples may be better enjoyed young rather than cellared for the long term.
Virtual Tastings & Consultation Services
To help navigate this complex vintage, I'm offering specialized services for wine enthusiasts:
Virtual En Primeur Tastings:
Premium Intimate Tasting: €75.00 per person (Minimum 2 people)
Premium Small Group: €65.00 per person (Groups of 3-5)
Premium Group: €55.00 per person (Groups of 6-8)
These guided tastings will focus on the standout producers and appellations, with detailed analysis of the vintage characteristics and aging potential.
Collection Building Consultation:
Initial Consultation (90 minutes): €200
Comprehensive Collection Strategy Package: €450 (includes initial consultation, detailed buying recommendations document, and one follow-up session)
These personalized sessions will help you make informed decisions about which 2024 whites deserve a place in your collection, with advice tailored to your preferences and investment goals.
Conclusion: Why Bordeaux 2024 Whites are Worth Exploring
Ready to pour: The 2024 Bordeaux whites promise freshness, aromatic brilliance, and impressive aging potential.
The 2024 vintage in Bordeaux has yielded a truly remarkable selection of whites, with both dry and sweet styles offering exceptional aromatic profiles and freshness. As we've explored throughout this article, the perfect balance of growing conditions has produced wines of extraordinary quality across appellations like Pessac-LĂ©ognan, Graves, and Sauternes.
Whether you're a seasoned collector interested in investment-worthy bottles from prestigious châteaux or a newcomer looking to discover the versatility of Bordeaux whites, this vintage is one that promises great things. Don't miss the chance to explore these wines—join me for an interactive virtual tasting or personal consultation, and discover the perfect Bordeaux white to add to your collection or enjoy with your next meal.
How to Buy: Securing Your Allocation
Act now to secure your allocation of these extraordinary wines. For those interested in purchasing 2024 Bordeaux whites en primeur, contacting established wine merchants with strong Bordeaux connections is essential. Most reputable merchants will offer a curated selection of the vintage's standouts, with the wines typically delivered 18-24 months after purchase.
Given the exceptional quality-to-price ratio of the 2024 whites, securing allocations early is strongly recommended, as the finest examples are likely to sell quickly once critical consensus emerges about the remarkable nature of this vintage.
Expert Guidance for Your Collection
Don't navigate this complex vintage alone.
Join me for an interactive virtual tasting or personal consultation to discover the perfect Bordeaux whites for your collection or table. As we've seen, selectivity is key—especially with the heterogeneous nature of this vintage.
Ready to explore the best of Bordeaux 2024?
Contact me directly or email me at contact@mulongowineandspice.com to schedule your consultation or secure your place in an upcoming virtual tasting event. Together, we'll ensure you don't miss the opportunity to add these extraordinary whites to your collection.