The 1954 vintage, a contrasting vintage

by Julie Berteloot 12 November 2024

12 November 2024 640 views

A mediocre vintage in Bordeaux, but satisfactory in Burgundy

In Bordeaux, 1954 was a difficult year. The freezing summer and then the rainy month of August had a major impact on the harvest. As a result, most of the wines were diluted and not very rich.

In Burgundy, on the other hand, the 1954 vintage is of fairly good quality, both in terms of quality and quantity. Good weather conditions throughout the year and sunshine during the harvest therefore allowed the production of great wines. The red wines are fragrant and frank in taste.

Bordeaux 1954, a vintage too quickly forgotten

The 1954 vintage is a rather unique Bordeaux vintage, it falls between two great vintages, 1953 and 1955. It is not considered as bad as the 1951 and 1956 vintages, but it is often overlooked. At that time, winemaking techniques were still rudimentary and disease control methods were not up to par. Mildew was therefore able to wreak havoc, which further reduced the quality of the wines.

The year 1954 began with a cold spell in January, followed by a changeable March. Growth was delayed by cold spells in April, then by powdery mildew and coulure in July. August was warm, but persistent rain and cool nights compromised the quality of the vintage. After a mild and warm week, the harvest began on October 10.

The harvest took place in ideal conditions, with an unusual temperature of 27°C recorded on 16 and 17 October. The harvest was later in Sauternes due to the poor month of September. Yquem did not finish its harvest until 16 November. The difficult vintage dissuaded many Sauternes properties from selling wine.

Bourgogne 1954, a pleasant vintage

In Burgundy, the 1954 vintage is of fairly good quality, both in terms of quantity and quality. The good weather conditions of the year, with a mild and sunny spring, a hot and dry summer, and a mild and late autumn, allowed the vines to develop optimally. The harvest took place under a radiant sun, which allowed healthy and ripe grapes to be harvested.

The red wines from this vintage are fragrant and frank in taste. They have a beautiful tannic structure and good acidity, which gives them good aging potential. The white wines are also of good quality, with fruity aromas and good freshness.

Some of the best estates in Burgundy produced great wines in 1954, including Romanée-Conti, La Tâche, Richebourg, Montrachet and Corton-Charlemagne. These wines are rare and sought after, and can command very high prices.

Overall, the 1954 vintage is a good vintage in Burgundy. The red wines are particularly beautiful, with a slight downside concerning the whites which are sometimes a little green.

Rhone Valley 1954, an unsatisfactory vintage

In the Rhone Valley, the 1954 vintage was just as disappointing in Bordeaux. The heavy rains encouraged the development of diseases, particularly mildew. The red wines were often light and lacked structure. The white wines were also disappointing, with high acidity and poorly developed aromas.