The 2015 vintage in Bourgogne was warm, dry and highly successful, particularly for Pinot Noir. Healthy grapes reached excellent levels of ripeness, producing concentrated and generous reds with ripe tannins and considerable ageing potential. Chardonnay was also successful, although the naturally warm conditions generally resulted in richer, broader wines than in the exceptionally fresh 2014 vintage.
Growing season
The season began with a relatively mild spring and favourable conditions during flowering. From June onwards, the weather became increasingly warm and dry. July was particularly hot, and drought became a concern in some vineyards, especially on shallow soils. Rain in August provided welcome relief and helped the grapes complete their ripening. Conditions remained favourable as harvest approached, allowing growers to pick healthy fruit without significant pressure from disease. Harvest began relatively early. The combination of small berries, ripe skins and good grape health made 2015 a particularly promising year for Pinot Noir.
Red Bourgogne
Red Bourgogne is the main strength of the vintage. Pinot Noir produced deeply coloured and concentrated wines with ripe fruit, substantial but generally polished tannins and sufficient freshness to maintain balance. The Côte de Nuits was particularly successful, with powerful and structured wines from appellations such as Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny and Vosne-Romanée. Excellent reds were also produced throughout the Côte de Beaune. Despite the warmth of the year, the best wines retain precision and vineyard character. At regional and village level, 2015 also produced many generous and approachable wines.
White Bourgogne
Chardonnay produced ripe and relatively full-bodied wines. Acidity is generally lower than in 2014, giving many 2015 whites a broader and more generous profile. The best Côte de Beaune wines combine richness with sufficient freshness and structure. Chablis also produced ripe, concentrated wines, although the vintage tends to show less of the sharp acidity associated with cooler years.
Drinking and ageing
The concentration and tannic structure of the best 2015 reds give them considerable ageing potential. Many regional and village wines are naturally more approachable, while Premier Cru and Grand Cru wines can develop over several decades. The whites generally have a somewhat earlier drinking window.
Vintage at a glance
Overall: Excellent
Red wines: Outstanding
White wines: Very good to excellent
Style: Ripe, concentrated and generous
Best known for: Powerful, age-worthy Pinot Noir
Drinking window: 2020–2045+, depending on appellation and producer