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Bordeaux 1964

This vintage followed on from the splendid 1961, the underrated 1962 and the washout that was 1963. With more rain in 1964, it might seem that history was repeating itself, but in this vintage the rain was a harvest problem - so the key to selecting the good wines is knowing which chateaux harvested before the rains, and which during or after.

The summer months were hot and dry. The right bank brought in healthy Merlot, which ripens a week or two before the Cabernet Sauvignon of the left bank, in early October. Many Graves properties, however, had also harvested at this time. The result was an excellent crop of wines from Pomerol, St Emilion and Graves. On October 8th, however, the rains began, and this put paid to any speculation that this would be a great vintage for the left bank. Some wines were terrible, including a number of first growths. Two chateaux that enjoyed great success, however, thanks to their decision to pick before the rain arrived, were Latour and Montrose. (10/10/00)

Bordeaux 1964 - Tasting Notes

Tasted in October 2000. Click to locate stockists:

Chateau Montrose (St Estèphe) 1964: A beautiful fading red hue, with hardly a touch of tawniness to it. The nose is dominated by a beautiful combination of rich, fruitgum raspberry fruit with attractive, sweet oak, a truly enticing and elegant bouquet. The palate has lovely texture, with more sweet, clean fruit. Absolutely correct acidity, and gentle tannins, mean this wine is drinking beautifully right now. The finish retains that silky texture, and there is a pleasant length. The September rains in Bordeaux in 1964 ruined many wines, but Château Montrose, who finished picking just before the rains began, have crafted a superb wine here. 17.5/20

Chateau Latour (Pauillac) 1964: A more intense red colour, with again little tawniness to the hue. On the nose rich, ripe fruit, some spices and pepper. On the palate, an amazing quantity of black fruit, still just a little too much tannin but good acidity. Finishes smoothly with good length. Latour have also done well in 1964, and amazingly this wine is still not at its peak. 17.5+/20