Bordeaux Futures, also known as Bordeaux en Primeur, is a method of purchasing wine from a specific vintage before it is bottled and released onto the market. Each year in early spring, thousands of international wine critics and major buyers descend on the Médoc for an intensive week of barrel tastings of the new vintage. Once the reviews are in, wineries decide what portion of their stock they will sell as futures, and to whom. Buying en primeur allows collectors of all levels to purchase wines at a lower price than when the wine is released en masse. In addition, some wines are produced in such small quantities that they often sell out as Futures.
Buying into Bordeaux Futures is a great way to explore one of the most iconic wine regions in the world. Futures offer excellent value and are a way for wine enthusiasts of all levels to fully understand the evolution of wines from early barrel samples to when the wine is bottled, and for years to come. With over twenty years of experience in purchasing Bordeaux en Primeur, our team of Trusted Experts is fully qualified to answer your questions and help you make the most of this exceptional region.
Shop our currently available Bordeaux offerings HERE.Peter’s Thoughts on 2024
The 2024 vintage, although varied and hard to generalize, still yielded a selection of consistent offerings. The quality and character of the wines at the En Primeur tasting were pleasantly surprising, especially given my mixed expectations after spending several rainy weeks in Bordeaux during both the growing and harvest seasons. I was able to narrow down the 2024 futures offerings for Willow Park to selections that are both classical and vibrant, showcasing bright, pure fruit, elegant structure, and a refreshing finish. These bottles reminded me of the approachable charm of the 2021, 2014, and the quietly impressive 2004 vintages.
Margaux emerged as the most consistently exceptional region, with numerous Châteaux releasing outstanding examples. The Left Bank overall performed reliably well, delivering some of the standout expressions of the vintage.
The wet conditions were ideal for the sweet offerings of Sauternes, resulting in beautifully concentrated examples that strike a perfect balance of acidity and richness, ensuring they will age gracefully for many years to come.
Pessac-Léognan’s dry whites impressed, with vibrant aromatics and bright acidity that left a lasting impression. While the reds showed more variation, several stood out as some of the most captivating expressions of the vintage.
On the Right Bank, Pomerol delivered a stronger showing than St-Émilion. However, Châteaux located on the Limestone Plateau took full advantage of the improved drainage, producing some truly exceptional releases.
Overall, 2024 is shaping up to be a vintage offering great value, with bottles being released at prices 30% to over 50% lower than the past two years, making it an exciting opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Top Recommendations:
• Chateau Leoville Las Cases
• Chateau Les Carmes de Haut Brion
• Chateau Pontet Canet
Honorable Mentions:
• St Estephe – Cos D’Estournel
• Pauilllac – Pichon Baron
• St Julien – Ducru Beaucaillou
• Margaux – Palmer
• Pessac Leognan – Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge & Domaine de Chevalier Blanc
• St Emilion – Canon & Figeac
• Pomerol – La Conseillante
Explore the new 2024 offerings here. For more information, reach us here.