Ten Years On: The 1995 Vintage
Global vintage inspections tend to start with Bordeaux, and for many people seem to end there also! But I’m aware that Winedoctor readers have wisely broad tastes, so there will be no such premature conclusion in this rapid vintage round-up.
In Bordeaux this was a vintage with success on both sides of the Gironde, generally rated more favourably than 1994 Bordeaux, and certainly further cause for relief after the very difficult triumvirate of 1991-1993. Nevertheless, I have long held a preference for the 1996 vintage which, although not as successful on the right bank, did produce some great, structured wines in the left bank communes. There was success also in Burgundy, for red and white, although there was greater success to come in subsequent vintages such as 1996 (now seemingly beset by oxidation, particularly affecting the whites), 1999 and 2002. And both parts of the Rhône saw moderate success. The Champagne region also yielded a number of vintage wines of quality, although I elected to include none here. In the Loire, this wasn’t a great vintage for reds, but there were – as always – some good wines to be found, and there were some lovely sweet white wines produced.
France wasn’t alone in Europe, however, in enjoying a decent vintage. For fans of Spain’s classic regions, Rioja and Ribera del Duero, this was a vintage for purchasing, although the 1994 vintage produced more profound Rioja. There were also good wines from Germany, this being another in a string of fine vintages during the 1990’s, and from Italy, with some good Chianti and other Tuscans, and good Barolo too. Further afield, California enjoyed moderate success, more so than other US winemaking regions, whereas in Australia there were some difficulties particularly in the Barossa, less so in the Hunter Valley. By contrast, wines from the Margaret River region in Western Australia were potentially stunning. (28/12/05)
