The Great Escape

Bordeaux surmounts an erratic growing season in 2018 to deliver an excellent crop of wines

The Great Escape
A rare snowfall blankets the wintertime vineyards of Château Latour, whose 2018 grand vin is the year’s top-rated wine. (Deepix Studio)
From the Mar 31, 2021, issue

2018 was a rocky vintage across Bordeaux, France’s largest and most prominent winegrowing region. Inconsistent growing conditions led many winemakers to depend on their distinct terroir to account for any gaps in quality. Overall, recent releases show promise, especially from the Left Bank, and makes for a vintage worth stocking up on, both for serious collectors and more casual drinkers.

Member-Only Content

Premium Subscription

Join today and get immediate access to this article, and to our entire database of more than 400,000 wine ratings. It only takes moments—but it will help you drink better all year long.

Start Free 30-day Trial

Already a member? Sign In

Try Winespectator.com Free for 30 Days!

Full access to our database of more than 400,000 wine ratings

Early access to reviews on our editors' favorite just-rated wines

Wine and food pairing tool,
chefs' pairing recommendations

Best value wines and winery intel

Subscribe today

You Might Also Like

12 Outstanding Global Wines Up to 93 Points

12 Outstanding Global Wines Up to 93 Points

Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet, Zinfandel and more feature in these new reviews of …

Apr 20, 2023
8 Excellent California Values for $30 or Less

8 Excellent California Values for $30 or Less

New reviews of well-priced Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet and more from the Golden …

Apr 17, 2023
10 Delectable Values Priced $20 or Less

10 Delectable Values Priced $20 or Less

Find a new favorite with these fresh reviews of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma …

Apr 13, 2023
Upward Trajectory

Upward Trajectory

Crisp and aromatic, California Sauvignon Blanc is surging in quality

May 31, 2023
Burgundy Shifts Gears

Burgundy Shifts Gears

The powerful 2020 reds reflect vintners’ adept response to warmer growing seasons

May 31, 2023
Chile's Brave New World

Chile's Brave New World

Chilean winemakers seek to captivate a global audience with terroir -driven reds

May 31, 2023