Wine Year

2007 - is an early drinking vintage characterized by soft tannins and good mid-weight fruit. It is a better bet than the 1997 to which it has been unfairly compared. A vintage drinking rather than keeping.

2006 - will be destined to forever live in the shadow of its more illustrious predecessor but some very successful wines were made, particularly in the Right Bank. A policy of strict selection maintained standards at the top chateaux.

2005 - The modern "Vintage of the Century" .Only limited releases from various chateaux, do begin tasting with these wonders.

2004 - A vintage for claret lovers. Try the great values of Terra Burdigala from Francois Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt.

2003 - Unbearingly hot summer resulted in some super-ripe wines with low acidity and powerful structure.

2002 - Yet another solid vintage. Classic Bordeaux with firm structure and tannins. Monbousquet and Pavie are very well-made.

2001 - Will be a useful vintage with good quality, moderate crop and fair prices while we wait for the '00s and '03s to mature.

2000 - Doubtless a lengendary vintage. One of the best ever in the history in Bordeaux!

1999 - Many charming wines were produced. Similar to 1962.

1998 - A huge success in Right Bank and Graves. Many of these 'petits chateaux' are drinking well. Great value!

1997 - The horrendously expensive opening prices masked an otherwise good early-drinking vintage. Now inexpensive.

1996 - Medoc fared better than Right Bank. Characters are similar to 1986. Full-bodied, rich and tannic.

1995 - The first year of the famous duo in the 1990s.

1990 - Fleshy, fruity and fat. Wines from this vintage are gorgeous!

1986 - Without a doubt, one of the classic vintages in Bordeaux. Most still require ageing but the sample below is mature now.

1985 - This year produced wines of immense balance, elegance and charm. With the reasonable prices, it's a drinkers' vintage.

1983 - Best in Margaux. Most others are mature and good to drink. Haut Batailley is a good find!

1982 - A glorious vintage that requires no introduction. Many drinkable now but some have gone back to sleep.

1981 - Wines from this vintage are fully mature. These two examples sourced directly from the chateau are in exceptional condition.