2024 Burgundy Review

A First Taste of London — and 2024 Burgundy — in 2026

I found myself in London yesterday for the first time in 2026. My target was a vast tasting of 2024 burgundies. This annual event offers an opportunity to garner a holistic view of the vintage in both red and white colours.

Limping somewhat from a torn calf muscle inflicted by a fall when skiing at New Year, my discomfort was allayed by the concentration required for the assessment of what amounted to fifty-nine samples and the associated scribbling as I recorded my thoughts in my tasting book.

A Vintage That Changed Its Mind

I had, I confess, done a modicum of preparatory research. My interest had been piqued by the steady revision of general opinion of the harvest over time. What had started as a message of doom and gloom had flipped gradually into a much more positive overview.

What, I wondered, was going on?

The Weather Story: Cloud, Humidity and Surprise Warmth

In short, the weather in Burgundy in 2024 was wet and cloudy. However, relatively stable day-night temperatures meant the year ended up slightly warmer than average. Sun = fruit sugar; warmth = lowering acidity.  On paper, this suggested wines of modest scale and relatively forward charm — bottles likely to offer pleasure sooner not later, rather than bottles demanding prolonged cellaring.

Tiny Yields, Big Consequences

Several things have severely impeded volumes in 2024. With all that humidity, mildew was rampant and growers were required to spray their vineyards regularly so as to cope with the threat. Bits and pieces of frost and hail further strangled yields.

This is, above all, a minuscule harvest.

In the Glass: Whites Shine, Reds Divide

So to the wines. What did I find? Well, there’s a great deal to like, particularly among the whites. The reds were more varied, yet not without high points (if not of Himalayan loftiness).

The Buying Dilemma

Some questions come to mind. Do you have room in your cellar for more burgundy when a great many wines from the generous (and very good) 2023 vintage are still available? Are you happy to buy wines that don’t require much cellaring? Or, perhaps more pertinently, are you comfortable paying the sort of prices being asked by burgundian producers for wines best consumed in their relative youth?

Advice for Buyers: Selectivity Is Key

If you do buy, buy with care and, if possible, cross-reference opinions from a number of sources. I read robertparker.com, jancisrobinson.com, vinous.com and Jasper Morris MW’s insideburgundy.com among others. And if you’d like a more fulsome view of the vintage, Jasper gives an in-depth video analysis on his website (subscription required).

Final Thoughts?

The 2024 vintage is not without charm — and in some cases, real delight — but it demands discernment. Approach it with curiosity, caution, and a well-sharpened pencil.

Salut!

Caspar