2024 Burgundy Vintage
Filed from: VFTC #121 (John Gilman, Jan-Feb 2026)
Summary
The 2024 vintage in Burgundy produced microscopic yields due to one of the worst outbreaks of mildew, frost, and hail in living memory — but for those who have wine in their cellars from this vintage, it is among the finest produced in the last 25 years. The quality of what survived is exceptional.
The Growing Season
Spring: Incessant rain through May–July. Flowering was cold and wet, especially in the Côte de Nuits (which flowers ~1 week later than the Côte de Beaune). This destroyed potential crop at its earliest stage. Vignerons in the Nuits-to-Chambolle corridor faced the most rainfall, sometimes requiring 20+ mildew treatments (vs. 2–3 in normal years).
Chablis: The worst-hit area. In addition to mildew: spring frosts April 18–23 (particularly devastating to Vaudésir, Valmur, Les Clos, Grenouilles), May hailstorms (hit Fourchaume, Vaulorent, Vaillons, Séchets, Montmains). Some domaines lost 90%+ of crop. Vincent Dauvissat: no Séchets, Montmains, Montée de Tonnerre, or Les Clos. Christian Moreau blending grand crus for the first time.
The turnaround: August was sunny and warm. The tiny remaining crop ripened beautifully — aided by its small size. Full “hundred days of hang time” was achieved. Late September harvest.
Yield Impact by Zone
| Zone | Yield situation |
|---|---|
| Chablis | Catastrophic: most domaines 10–30% of normal |
| Côte de Nuits | Severe: 20–50% of normal typical |
| Côte de Beaune | Better: some domaines 50–75% of normal (Chartron: 75%) |
| Mercurey | Relatively normal |
Biodynamic vs. Conventional
Biodynamic producers suffered most — organic treatments (copper, sulfur) are less effective against severe mildew than petrochemical products. Many biodynamic growers lost nearly all of their crop. Some switched to limited chemical treatments to save what they could, sacrificing certifications. Others stayed the course and lost everything.
Wine Quality
Whites: Universally exceptional. “Crystalline expressions of terroir” (Gilman). Perfect acid/fruit balance, stunning minerality. The 2024 Chablis whites are structured for 15–30+ years — do not drink young. Côte de Beaune whites equally magnificent.
Reds: Equally excellent, despite skepticism from some early November/December tasters. The high-acid structure and terroir transparency that confused some palates trained on “solar” vintages is precisely what makes these wines great. Style: “1985 fruit + 2002 structure” (Gilman’s synthesis); or, as Véronique Drouhin described her family’s wines, “most similar to the 1985 vintage.”
Style Signature
- High acidity — wines will close down after bottling and need time to open
- Deep, sappy, succulent fruit
- Extreme terroir transparency — soils are front and center
- “Sweet brown spice” topnote (nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin) in many top reds — a vintage calling card
- Suave, fine-grained tannins in reds
- Comparison vintages: 1985 (fruit), 2002 (acidity/structure), not the “solar” vintages of 2009/2015
Pricing Uncertainty
Gilman notes that Burgundy pricing is “on the cusp of crisis.” Many vignerons eager to discuss — unusual. Below the top 12–15 estates, wines may be struggling to sell at current prices. The tiny 2024 crop may relieve inventory pressure on unsold 2022s and 2023s. Watch for pricing decisions as 2024s are released.
Recommended Approach
- Buy 2024 Chablis and lay it down — 10+ years minimum for premiers crus, 15+ for grand crus
- Buy 2024 Côte de Nuits reds from producers who respected the vintage’s elegance (no extraction, moderate oak)
- The 2023s are a good fallback given 2024’s tiny quantities — large crop, very good quality, available now
- Do not open 2024 Chablis young (contrary to some MW advice)
Top Scores from VFTC #121
| Wine | Score | Drink |
|---|---|---|
| Dauvissat Chablis “les Preuses” 2024 | 97 | 2032–2075+ |
| Dauvissat Chablis “la Forest” 2024 | 94 | 2030–2065+ |
| Dauvissat Chablis “Vaillons” 2024 | 93+ | 2028–2060+ |
| Noëllat Grands Échézeaux 2024 | 96 | 2040–2100 |
| Noëllat Mazoyères-Chambertin 2024 (1st vintage) | 95+ | 2040–2100 |
| Mugneret-Gibourg Clos Vougeot 2024 | 95+ | 2038–2085 |
| Mugneret-Gibourg Ruchottes-Chambertin 2024 | 95 | 2038–2085 |
| Juillot Corton-Charlemagne 2024 | 96 | 2032–2075 |
| Juillot Corton “Perrières” 2024 | 95+ | 2037–2085+ |
| Noëllat Nuits “les Boudots” 2024 | 94 | 2036–2085 |