1994 Bordeaux Wine Vintage Report and Buying Guide

Top Value Wines in the Glass

1994 Bordeaux Wine Vintage Summary with harvest information, vintage characteristics, buying tips and links. If you are seeking more in-depth information on anything and everything related to the Bordeaux wine region please see the: All About Bordeaux Wine Guide

1994 Bordeaux wine was an improvement over the last three, poor vintages, but that is not saying much. The 1994 Bordeaux vintage got off to a good start, although April was cool and wet.  The summer was warm, sunny and dry. Starting September 7, rain fell and never stopped until the end of the month, drenching the vineyards, the grapes and the harvesters. Over 7″ of rain was recorded! Fortunately, the temperatures were not warm enough to allow for the development of rot. Today, the problem with most 1994 Bordeaux wine is their lack charm, coupled with under ripeness. 1994 Bordeaux wine, especially from the Medoc now show a marked green streak in the finish. Their character is generally speaking, firm, as well as austere.  There are a few reasonably successful wines from the Right Bank, especially in Pomerol. This is due to Pomerol being the first appellation harvested. The Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes did not receive as much water as the other regions. Chateau La Mission Haut Brion exceeds the quality of the vintage.

1994 Bordeaux wine received a reasonable amount of purchasing when the wines were first offered. It had been three years since any wines was worth buying as a future. And the initial reviews by some writers were perhaps a bit, overly enthusiastic. Plus they were well priced. At the time, the First Growths were under $500 per case. As a comparison, this was less than half the price being asked for 1990 First Growths. Today, prices for the 1994 First Growth wines are too expensive for their quality. 1994 Bordeaux are on the austere side, lacking in charm and elegance. If you’re seeking something from the 1994 Bordeaux vintage, stick to Pomerol. 1994 Bordeaux was also reasonably successful for the dry, white Bordeaux wines of Pessac Leognan. Sauternes and Barsac were not successful and should be avoided today.

While 1994 Bordeaux is not a vintage to celebrate a special occasion with, 1994 California Cabernet Sauvignon is the product of a legendary year. The wines are often stunning in quality. 1994 Vega Sicilia is sublime as are the wines of Zind Humbrecht.

The following list of Bordeaux wines represent the wines offering a high ratio of price and quality for the vintage: 1994 Best Bordeaux wine for the money today

To read about other Bordeaux vintages from 1945 to today: Bordeaux Year to Year Detailed Vintage Reports & Guide 1945 to Today