Bordeaux 2003 Vintage Report
Defining the 2003 vintage in Bordeaux requires looking beyond the averages, as it was a year of contrasting fortunes and precise timing.
Early challenges emerged with a disrupted flowering phase. 81mm of rain during the bloom caused significant *coulure* (shatter), naturally lowering yields and concentrating the energy into fewer bunches. However, the threat of frost loom large, with 2 distinct cold snaps keeping vineyard managers on high alert during budbreak.
Summer turned up the intensity. With 14 days soaring above 35°C, the vines faced a stress test. Yet, thanks to sufficient water reserves, the canopy remained green, protecting the clusters from sunburn.
Harvest proceeded under mixed skies, requiring agility to dodge the 55mm of rain that fell sporadically during the picking weeks.
**Style:** Classically proportioned wines with good balance and terroir expression.
About Bordeaux
Bordeaux is the world's most famous wine region, celebrated for its legendary "Right Bank" Merlot and "Left Bank" Cabernet Sauvignon blends. The region's maritime climate, tempered by the Gironde estuary, creates wines of power, structure, and immense aging potential.
Climatic Blueprint
Growing Degree Days (GDD)
Total Rainfall
Sunshine Hours
Diurnal Shift
Frost Days
Average Temperature
Historical Context (10 Years)
Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.
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