1978 vintage guide for Medoc and Graves

drink now

An excellent year for both red and white wines

4/5

Weather Conditions

The weather conditions in spring and summer – damp and dreary – did not augur well for the vintage. However, things picked up in mid-August, which saw the start of fine, sunny weather that prevailed throughout the harvest,

which started late.

Best Appellations

A classic Bordeaux vintage of average sign, so much smaller was was than the vintage of the 80s & 90s. While they never had the pretensions of ’70 or ’75, the have probably given more pleasure for longer than either. What they lack power there is more … made up for Chasson and Head. The best wines are Lefont in Paulliac, St.Julien, Margaux Graves and St.Estephe.

Best Producers

Pauillac-Latour is outstandly and has stood the test of time, the charming stylish wines from Pichon Lalande, Grand Puy Lacoste and Lynch Bages. St.Julien – Leoville Las-cases is outstanding and still has plenty to give, Gruand Larose … Leoville trotanoy and Talbot are delicious. Margaux is beautiful … celebrates the renaissance of this great growth, and Pichon is excellent. Graves – very good wines from Haut-Brion, La Huission and Domaine de Chevalier. St.Estepher – impressive wines from … and Cos d’Estournel.