Vintage 2021

In stark contrast with the hot, dry and relatively high-yielding vintages that preceded it, 2021 brought a shift towards cooler and more variable climatic conditions. This brought high variability and markedly low yields across most Old World wine regions. If one common theme could be extracted, it is a return to classicism (for which, read freshness, acidity, earthiness) after the voluptuousness of 2020, 2019, 2018.

In Bordeaux, mildew was a problem in 2021. This was particularly the case for Merlot, making it a more successful – or perhaps less unsuccessful – vintage for the Cabernet-producing Left Bank. Dry whites were a notable redeeming feature this year, with bright acidity and expressive aromatics and the promise of excellent ageability among the top white -producing properties. Burgundy in 2021 produced classically styled, early-drinking wines while operating at low yields: floral, red-fruited and fine reds; zesty, pithy, energetic whites. More overt oak may be perceptible in Burgundy’s 2021s, as produces sought to soften firm edges, while balancing the lean fruit with sweet wood spice. Perhaps the best of the European 2021 vintage was reserved for Piedmont, where cool conditions, extended ripening and low yields produced concentrated Nebbiolo wines, the best showing extraordinary finesse.

Elsewhere in Europe, the cooler conditions of the vintage worked in favour of Riesling regions for those who like a precise, high-acid, mineral style. Despite devastating wildfires, Australia enjoyed a generally positive 2021, the vintage especially favouring cool-climate regions like Tasmania, Yarra Valley, Adelaide Hills and Mornington Peninsula. New Zealand also prospered, with longer hang time in Central Otago, Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa producing well-defined, aromatically expressive Pinot Noir and Syrah.