Description

Tasting Burgundy’s 2023 vintage for this report was a surprising delight. The wines covered here are generally immediately appealing and well-balanced. Eighty-four percent of the 2,255 wines I tasted scored 90 points or higher. There are pockets of greatness, too, including notably age-worthy wines.

I spent four-and-a-half weeks in Burgundy in September, October and November of 2024 to compile the research for this 214-page report, personally visiting 159 producers. Over half of the report is dedicated to tasting notes of the 954 wines rated 93 points or above. (Previously, only 94+ wines received full notes.) I created a Chablis-specific vintage chart, too. Plus, don’t miss my 125 Favorite Value Wines highlighted in the A to Z list—more useful than ever as value, already relative in Burgundy, becomes ever more elusive.

The report begins with a close-up view on the style and quality of the 2023 vintage. I cover the differences in the two colors throughout the region, offer comparisons to other recent vintages and take a look at trends. There are “Top Producer” rankings, lists of best importers in the UK and US, an updated compilation of restaurants organized by area and some new wine store suggestions. And of course, there is the annual parade of vintners’ portraits and photos of the region.

The big question looming is pricing. Consumers everywhere continue to show resistance toward the escalation of Burgundian wine prices, in retail, in restaurants and at auction. Dozens of producers commented on the slowdown in orders. While many indicate they will hold prices for the 2023 vintage and a few will lower them, at least a few will be raising prices. The miserly volumes of 2024 will have a serious economic impact on much of the region—especially Chablis, and the season’s gruesome toll will likely affect yields in 2025.

Beaune looks very different from the sleepy town I first visited 21 years ago. If you plan a trip, be sure to make advance reservations for everything from restaurants to wine tastings, and be very, very careful shopping for wine in town. Unbelievably, prices can be higher than in Paris, London and New York.

Christy Canterbury MW