Hi Alexander,
You have gotten a bit ahead of yourself! James is indeed coming!
And I am in Bordeaux tasting right now.
Best,
William
4 Likes
yes but typically he is there the week before the trade, looking forward to hearing your thoughtsā¦
That would be this weekā¦
Next week is trade.
Really curious to hear your thoughts @William_Kelley on the vintage as a whole and any wines that stood out to you.
Being based in the US, itās a shame with the current uncertain market/tariff situation so I might watch to see what happens before buying anything 
Keep in mind, that a good US retailer is going to hold off bringing these in. In theory, the soonest any of these would be coming to the US is the end of 2026, with most likely in early 2027.
I think as long as you can buy from a retailer who will make sure they are not tariffed, you should be fine to buy what you want.
3 Likes
That is fair. But itās no done deal, that even if elected, the Democrats might not keep some tariff in place as a revenue source.
@Ian_Dorin unfortunately many of the reliable merchants in socal like k&l and wine exchange where I shop have stopped selling any 23 and I donāt think they will put up any 24 until the situation clears up or becomes clearer
I would guarantee that folks are going to run on repealing any tariffs (if they are still out there) at the midterms.
1 Like
I donāt plan on bringing in my 2023s until tariffs go away.
However, Iām not sure what my strategy will be on offering 2024s.
2 Likes
Just got an interesting text! Pontet Canet is coming out on April 23. Campaign will start VERY early!
3 Likes
It never ceases to amaze me how many people form opinions on wines they have never tasted, or even read reviews on from others that have tasted the wines. On the other hand, what else is there to talk about ?
That being said, having actually tasted over 400 wines, 2024 is better than 2021. There are several charming, lighter styled wines, all of which are low in alcohol, averaging 13%, or slightly less. At least for me, overall the Left Bank is better than the Right Bank. Cabernet Sauvignon is better than Merlot this year and can be good, in a modern classic style.
The top wines will be offered at low prices. Youāll see First Growths starting to be released April 29, ex chateau could be 200 Euros or less.
11 Likes
I agree with you Jeff. En primeur should be banned entirely. Not just on WB. Release the wines to the public, let them taste and then sell.
5 Likes
There you go again, Jeff, playing that I have tasted it and you havenāt card againš
How did you manage to taste so early.
3 Likes
I took a plane
Iām not sure thatās exactly what Leve said But when I see him tonight, Iāll ask him 
Damning with faint praise
1 Like
2024 is the type of vintage Robert Alfret and his friends dream about! The wines are light, quite low in alcohol, and low in pH, so you get a bright, crunchy, red berry oriented wine. In fact, there are several charming, early-drinking wines. And with luck, most will sell for a song. Greetings from Bordeauxā¦
2024 is not a bad vintage, at its best, there are wines similar in style to 2002, 2008, 2014 etc. At its worst, there are green, over extracted wines which are not very good.
2024 is not a vintage to purchase EP, though the First Growths should be priced below any current vintage on the market.
I have tasted almost every top Left Bank wine. I focus on the Right Bank starting Friday. I have a had few, but not a lot so far.
5 Likes
Out of any interest are there any vintages you would sayz recently, are just objectively bad?
Today itās difficult to make a bad vintage at the top estates. That being said, 2013ā¦
1 Like
At its best the wines are on par with ā14? Ouch. That sounds terrible.
1 Like