Vintage refers to the year the grapes were harvested, and more broadly the characteristics of that harvest year. Different vintages of the same wine vary due to weather variations affecting ripeness, disease pressure, and harvest decisions. "Great vintages" offer optimal ripeness and perfect weather; "difficult vintages" present challenges (rain, frost, heat). Vintage ratings (often on a 100-point scale) help collectors assess quality expectations. Vintage variation is why wine collecting is complex: the same producer's 2005 and 2006 may taste quite different. Understanding vintage character is essential for predicting aging potential.
WHY IT MATTERS FOR COLLECTORS
Vintage variation adds complexity to wine collecting. Great vintages offer reliability; difficult vintages require careful producer selection. A good producer in a difficult vintage often outperforms mediocre producers in great vintages.
Tasting cues
- Vintage is the harvest year — weather shaped ripeness, acid, and disease pressure.
- “Great vintage” still varies by producer and site; weak years can yield excellent careful wines.
- Non-vintage (NV) blends across years for a house style (common in Champagne).
Examples
- Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne vintage charts are widely published collector tools.
- Southern Hemisphere vintages are the calendar year of harvest (often early in the year).
- A single estate may bottle multiple cuvées in one vintage with different ageing potential.
Cellar actions
- Buy more depth in strong years for long-term holds; drink lighter years sooner.
- Use regional vintage overviews as a starting point, then adjust for producer reputation.
Related terms
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