Médoc: know your vintages

2015

an excellent vintage across the board, boding well for second wines.

2014

a strong vintage, particularly in northern Médoc. Careful sorting was needed in places, but there are many strong examples of second wines.

2013

difficult year. some attractive early-drinking wines, but often better to prioritise first over second wines.

2012

an underrated vintage: some good, classically balanced first and second wines.

2011

reds more uneven than whites, but some good drinking wines, especially among the established names.

2010

excellent. high tannins, alcohol and fruit; long-lasting, with plenty of good quality second wines.

2009

excellent quality, fruit-forward, ripe character, with plenty of good quality second wines, many ready to drink now.