Languedoc-Roussillon
2022
Localized incidents of frost and hail early in the season caused some damage. Summer was hot and dry and it was only through the grace of the wet 2021/2022 winter that the region fared so well. Harvest began in July. Reds are concentrated and promise good aging potential while whites are more variable in quality.
2021
Severe frosts in April cut yields heavily. Hot dry conditions throughout the summer put vines at the risk of drought stress and the heavy September rains arrived too late to offer much help. A small crop of variable quality.
2020
Once again bud break was early but, unlike in 2019, spring was quite wet with high fungal pressure. Summer was hot and dry providing ideal ripening conditions. Resulting wines are excellent with fresh acidity and concentrated aromas and flavors.
2019
A warm dry winter led to early bud break and was followed by a ridiculously hot summer. Vines withered and shut down at lower elevations. At higher elevations with cooling influence, vines fared better but saw risk of sunburn. In the end total yields were down by nearly a quarter on 2019. Light rains began in September and restarted maturation. Resulting wines are concentrated but can veer into overripeness. The best wines are from cooler higher elevation sites.
2018
The perennial threats of frost, hail and rot did not diminish the quality potential of the 2018 vintage in France’s largest wine region. Those who had the resources and know-how to manage their vineyards (see this report from Ch St-Jacques d'Albas) were rewarded with good volumes of all the many varieties grown there.
2017
Frost and drought resulted in an early, depleted harvest in the engine room of French viticulture. However, the condition of the fruit at harvest was generally very good, so the most quality-conscious estates have the potential to produce excellent wines. Whites are looking promising.
2016
Generally warm and sunny throughout the summer with usefully fresh nights, though some regions suffered through lack of rainfall, resulting in smaller yields of concentrated juice. However, these dry conditions did at least result in reduced disease pressure, and quality is generally good across reds and whites, with high flavour intensity.
2015
The harvest began on 7 August. The hot weather produced plentiful ripeness, and potential quality is considered to be very promising at the top end.
2014
The Languedoc experienced cataclysmic hail storms in 2014, seriously compromising yield, but the Roussillon fared better and looks to have produced wines of balance, concentration and complexity at relatively low alcohol levels. Early start to the season but a cool, humid summer delayed harvest to average dates. Exceptionally productive Grenache after the coulure of 2013.
2013
A tricky vintage in the south of France with yields of coulure-afflicted Grenache down 50-60%. Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan fared better and an Indian summer compensated for the cold wet spring, bringing the grapes to full ripeness. Cooler conditions generally resulted in fresher than usual whites from Viognier, Vermentino and Roussanne.
2012
Described as the worst the Languedoc has seen for 22 years. Yields were low thanks to drought at one stage and mildew at another. Late, uneven ripening resulted in wines without fully developed varietal character in many instances. It certainly was not a complete disaster but overall the feeling is one of disappointment.
2011
A rainier year meant that volumes were finally back to normal after three lean years – however, it also created a problem with rot in the vineyards. A difficult year but one that has produced some very well balanced, successful reds.
2010
Quantity is down – again – but quality is good, with minimal rot thanks to dry, windy conditions in August and September.
2009
A warm and smaller than average year, especially for whites. Quality is very high quality across the region.
2008
Variable weather and drought in the summer made this a challenging year, but has created some concentrated, fruity and aromatic reds.
2007
Very cool, grey summer left grapes struggling to ripen properly.
2006
Relatively soft wines for medium-term drinking.
2005
Almost great but rain at harvest time diluted the potential somewhat.
2004
Traditional growing season. Very good, well-balanced wines that lasted well.
2003
The heatwave resulted in some very strange musts with such low acids and such high sugars than some fermentations got stuck, resulting in sweetish wines. Definitely not for the long term.
2002
Extremely variable. An unusually grey summer ended with disastrous floods in the Gard département in the far east of the region although many growers in the hills managed to make good wine.
2001
Summer was so hot and dry that some vines shut down and stopped ripening. Rain in September was a relief for those who picked after it although the wines picked too early may be uncomfortably tough. White wines are particularly concentrated.
2000
Devastating floods in November 1999 damaged some vineyards, as did storms in June and July but the summer was warm and dry (though not excessively so) and was followed by a prolonged harvest with some very good quality wine. Lovely, round, supple wines with ripe tannins.
1999
An exceptionally dry winter was followed by heavy rainfall, and some hail in Roussillon, at the end of April. Wines are respectable but not as exciting as the vintages immediately before and after.
1998
Very good, small crop.
1997
Large crop, difficult season.
1996
Large crop and a rainy summer which affected reds more than whites.
1995
Excellent ripeness and concentration in reds, especially in the hills.
1994
Probably France's most successful region: a small crop with real richness and concentration.
1993
After a wonderful summer this was an exciting vintage.
1992
Irregular quality inevitable after localised autumn downpours.
1991
A really outstanding year of rich, dense and big-structured wines, especially in Roussillon.
1990
Generous weather gave excellent wines that were fruity and delicious.