1972 vintage guide for Red Burgundy

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Large and late vintage, with well defined fruit and notable acidity

3/5

Weather Conditions

Unusual conditions led to one of the longest-ever growing seasons. Winter was severe, with rain and snow still falling in February. Although conditions had improved by the end of March, April saw the return of cold, wet weather. Temperatures did not rise much in summer, but nor did it rain much. There was little sunshine until September, when a belated ripening got underway. It continued fine until the late harvest, which began well into October.

Best Appellations

This was a small vintage, and a late harvest. At first it was decried, for it had been a poor vintage in Bordeaux and the wines were rather lean and ungenerous. After 10 years, however, they began to round off and some quite stylish wines, clearly better in the Côte de Nuits than the Côte de Beaune, could be had at bargain prices. There is little that is still agreeable 29 years on, but there may still be a few surprises.

Best Producers

Robert Ampeau, Grivot, Robert Groffier, Lafarge, Leroy, Hubert de Montille, R. Remoissenet Père & Fils, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Armand Rousseau, De Vogué.