The decade from 2010 to 2019 produced some of the most exciting Bordeaux vintages in living memory. For wine lovers seeking bottles that are ready to drink now, this period offers remarkable diversity, from the opulent warmth of 2015 to the structured elegance of 2016. Here is our guide to the best vintages ready for your table.
2010: The Benchmark Year
The 2010 vintage is widely regarded as one of the greatest in Bordeaux history. Characterised by exceptional concentration, firm tannins, and extraordinary ageing potential, these wines are now entering their prime drinking window. The best examples from Saint-Julien, Pauillac, and Saint-Emilion show remarkable depth and complexity. Look for wines from the Left Bank that have had time to soften, revealing layers of cassis, graphite, and cedar.
2014: The Elegant Surprise
Often overshadowed by its neighbours, 2014 is a vintage that rewards the patient drinker. A late Indian summer saved the harvest, producing wines of freshness and finesse. The Right Bank, particularly Saint-Emilion and Pomerol, excelled with beautifully balanced Merlot-dominant blends. These wines are drinking beautifully now and offer excellent value compared to the more celebrated years.
2015: Warmth and Generosity
The 2015 vintage produced lush, generous wines with ripe fruit and silky tannins. A warm growing season created wines that are immediately appealing yet have the structure to age gracefully. The Medoc communes produced outstanding wines, with Margaux and Saint-Julien showing particular elegance. These are perfect for drinking now if you enjoy fruit-forward Bordeaux with a touch of luxury.
2016: Classical Grandeur
Where 2015 is warm and generous, 2016 is structured and classical. Many critics consider it the finest vintage of the decade for its combination of power and precision. Cabernet Sauvignon thrived on the Left Bank, producing wines with incredible depth and fine-grained tannins. While the very best will continue to improve for decades, many mid-tier wines are already showing beautifully.
2018: Richness and Ripeness
A hot vintage that produced deeply coloured, richly flavoured wines across both banks. The best 2018s combine concentration with surprising freshness, particularly from producers who picked at the right moment. Pomerol and Saint-Emilion were standouts, with the Merlot reaching perfect ripeness. These wines are approachable now but will reward cellaring.
2019: The Complete Vintage
The 2019 vintage combines the best qualities of its predecessors: the richness of 2018, the structure of 2016, and the charm of 2015. Early assessments suggest this could be one of the most universally successful vintages of the century. Both banks produced outstanding wines, and even lesser-known appellations over-delivered. The earliest-drinking examples are already showing great promise.
Our Recommendations
At Mosse and Mosse, we have been carefully selecting and cellaring wines from each of these vintages. Our focus is always on what is in the bottle, and we take pride in offering wines that are genuinely ready to drink and enjoy. Whether you are looking for an everyday claret or a special occasion bottle, we can guide you to the perfect choice from this remarkable decade.
"I hunt the best so you can enjoy what's in your glass."
Tim Mosse, Mosse and Mosse