From Harvest to Delivery
Bordeaux En Primeur may last only a few intense weeks in spring, but the reality is that the cycle begins long before the trade descends on the region and continues well after the final releases.
Understanding the full timeline brings clarity to pricing, quality assessment and cash flow expectations.
September to October: Harvest
Everything begins in the vineyard.
The timing of harvest is determined by phenolic ripeness, acidity balance and tannin maturity. In Pauillac, Cabernet Sauvignon may be picked later to achieve full structural development. In Saint Emilion, Merlot on clay rich soils often comes in earlier.
Weather during this period shapes the vintage. A cool September preserves acidity and aromatic precision. A warm, dry finish can concentrate fruit and deepen tannin structure.
The vintage character is largely set here.
October to March: Fermentation and Early Ageing
After fermentation, wines are transferred into barrel. Blending decisions are not yet finalised.
Through winter and early spring, élevage begins to shape texture. Oak integration, lees contact and micro-oxygenation refine tannins and stabilise colour.
By late winter, the wines are beginning to show structural form. It is at this stage that barrel samples are prepared for En Primeur tastings.
April: Trade Tastings in Bordeaux
This is the most visible part of the process.
Merchants, critics and négociants travel to Bordeaux to taste across appellations. Wines are assessed from barrel, sometimes from individual lots, sometimes pre-blend.
At this stage:
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Tannin grain
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Acidity balance
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Aromatic precision
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Length and structural integrity
are carefully analysed.
It is not about polish. It is about architecture.
A structured Cabernet from gravel soils in Saint Julien will present very differently from a limestone driven Saint Emilion. Terroir is transparent at this point.
May to June: Release Campaign
Following tastings and critic reviews, chateaux begin releasing wines in tranches.
The campaign usually runs six to eight weeks.
Release order often follows market influence. Leading Left Bank estates frequently set the tone, followed by Right Bank properties.
Pricing reflects:
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Vintage quality
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Positioning against back vintages
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Market demand
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Currency conditions
For a full breakdown, see our detailed guide to Bordeaux En Primeur Pricing.
Summer to Following Year: Continued Elevage
Once the campaign concludes, wines remain in barrel for further ageing.
Final blends are confirmed. Oak influence integrates. Tannins settle. The wines gain cohesion and depth.
This period is often overlooked but crucial. The architectural framework seen in April slowly becomes more harmonious.
Two Years Later: Bottling and Delivery
Approximately 18 to 24 months after the initial campaign, wines are bottled at the chateau.
From there, they are shipped into bonded warehouses or delivered to collectors.
At this point:
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Provenance remains pristine
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Storage conditions are controlled
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The long ageing journey begins
Understanding this full cycle allows buyers to approach En Primeur with patience and perspective.