Burgundy 2024 En Primeur is moving fast, and today we’re focusing on one of the key talking points: the 2024 reds. It’s no secret that the growing season posed several challenges, particularly mildew, and overall the whites have emerged as the more consistent performers. Yet the reds, while more variable, offer some genuine highlights.
We spent two weeks in Burgundy during November and it was clear that the reds were going to be approachable from the get-go. There were definitely duds, and this year we’ve been highly selective, only offering wines we would buy ourselves. At the value end, this is a particularly strong year: wines are drinking early, expressive, and simply joyous to taste. At our Burgundy En Primeur tasting at 67 Pall Mall in January, the wines were already developing beautifully, with a degree of perfume and delicacy that is rarely found in red Burgundy anymore.
Neal Martin (Vinous) sums up the vintage neatly: "the 2024s have very attractive aromatics… Strawberry, cranberry, redcurrants, pomegranate and red cherries… behind them, glimpses of wilted rose petals, rooibos and bergamot. These are traits I—and many Burgundy lovers—covet.” He’s right: the red-fruit focus is immediate, joyful, and true to classic Pinot Noir expression. High acidity and freshness, preserved by a season without prolonged heat, give the wines a zing and energy that makes them very approachable early on.
Jasper Morris MW (Inside Burgundy) adds another perspective: “Aromatic pinots that could make you smile at first sniff… the quality of the tannins is unusually refined. For the first time in several years, the vines enjoyed the classical 100-day ripening cycle.” Jasper also notes where the vintage’s sweet spot lies... in the middle tiers; village wines and well-managed 1er Crus, where some really cracking, wallet-friendly wines are to be found.
At our tastings, we were struck by how much the 2024 reds reward selection and attention. The result is a lineup of reds that are fresh, expressive, and utterly characteristic of their terroirs. While critics’ scores will always attract attention, it’s the wines’ energy, clarity, and sheer drinkability that stand out this year. "Scores be damned!" roars Neal. This isn't the sort of vintage that looks epic on paper because most reds are suited for the medium-term, but they absolutely deserve a spot in your cellar, and soon enough, on your table.
For Burgundy lovers, 2024 offers a reminder that even a “difficult” year can produce wines with personality, charm, and a clear sense of place. It’s a vintage to enjoy thoughtfully, to explore village and 1er Crus, and to experience the joy of Pinot Noir at its expressive best.
Here are our top value picks from the vintage:
Domaine Benoit Girardin, Santenay Premier Cru 'Clos Rousseau' Red, £174/6
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Volnay Premier Cru 'En Carelle', £366/6
Domaine de Montille, Beaune Premier Cru 'Les Grèves', £360/6
Domaine du Clos Frantin, Vosne-Romanée, £372/6
Domaine Francois Raquillet, Mercurey Rouge Vieilles Vignes, £252/12
Edouard Delaunay, Gevrey-Chambertin 'Le Village', £336/6
Domaine Sigaut, Chambolle-Musigny, £288/6
Domaine Tollot-Beaut, Savigny-lès-Beaune Premier Cru 'Champ Chevrey' Monopole, £246/6
Maison Jane Eyre, Fleurie 'Les Labourons', Jane Eyre, £120/6
Maison Jane Eyre, Côtes De Nuits Villages, Jane Eyre, £210/6
Domaine d’Alussia, Aloxe-Corton 'Les Caillettes', Domaine d'Alussia, £282/6
Domaine d'Aubigny, Mercurey Red Premier Cru 'Les Champs Martin', £288/6