Print Version Institute of Oenology at the University of Bordeaux commented vintage 2018 as one that evolved from "initial fears" to "guarded optimism", which eventually blossomed into one of "real enthusiasm". The key factor behind such evolution is rainfall level, among all things else. Vintage 2018 began with an extremely wet March (wettest March among past 10 years); and the stretch of rain continued until June. A very wet Spring sparked "initial fears". Very sunny and dry summer turned fear into enthusiasm. Exceptional sunny and dry, virtually rain-free September was the cherry on top.  Read below for WineWorld team's interpretation of the university's verdict, complemented with detailed weather conditions in Bordeaux in 2018. "Initial fears" of mildew and hail-reduced yield: The year 2018 began with very wet conditions which expedite flowering and bring fruit set early; growth was robust whilst compromised, to different extent (depending on canopy management and anti-mildew strategy of each grower), by risk of mildew from the rain. Isolated areas in the area of Cote de Bourg and Blaye suffered from hailstorm damage in May. Overall, havoc was less severe than 2017 when frost wrought immense damage particularly on Right Bank. Vintage 2018 escaped frost which had attacked 40% of Bordeaux's potential crop in late April, 2017.  "Guarded optimism" kicked in around July as weather turned fine. The rain stopped and Bordeaux saw three continuous months of sunny, dry weather. Water stress was not an imminent issue as vines were well hydrated from the earlier half of a wet 2018. If mildew and mold was the main hazard in the first half of the year, over-abundance of sun exposure and warmth could go from friend to foe in the second half of the year; especially for younger vines and well-draining soils (on Left Bank in particular).    "Real enthusiasm" erupted amidst a rot-free, sunny and dry harvest. Sunny, dry conditions continued all the way into early October. Growers needed not worry about rot from Bordeaux's usual September showers. Focus was entirely on the achievement of balance. Vintage 2018 saw the output of very ripe Cabernet from Left Bank; and Cabernet Franc and Merlot from Right Bank. Opulence and power are the two leitmotifs of this vintage. There is no denying that Bordeaux en primeur 2018 buyers will receive high-alcohol, broad-shouldered reds with robust tannins. The notion of elegance will be found among growers who meticulously worked out the optimal balance point among pH, alcohol, tannin level and concentration whilst dodging potential trapfalls of brettanomyces and volatile acidity. (Both could be encouraged in a high pH and alcohol environment, especially when exposed to oxygen.)

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Introduction En Primeur is sold when the wines is still in barrel, undergoing maturation. Buying “En Primeur” is like buying a property under construction. The customer gets a lower price as the building is still under construction. Similarly, investors get lower pricing on En Primeur because the wines have not been fully maturated. Money is paid upfront; and wines will only be delivered 18-24 months later.

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