1982 Chateau Gruaud-Larose, Saint-Julien, Bottle (750ml) [Top Shoulder] RP98
1982 Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml) [High Shoulder] RP100
1982 Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac [Top Shoulder, Slightly Soiled Label], Bottle (750ml) RP100
1982 Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml) [Top Shoulder] RP100
1982 Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml) RP100

1982 Bordeaux Wine - A Legendary Bordeaux Vintage

Welcome to our exquisite collection of 1982 Bordeaux wines, one of fine wine's most legendary vintages where time has gracefully shaped these remarkable wines into masterpieces. Renowned for their rich tastes, ripe fruits, and remarkable complexity, Bordeaux wines from 1982 have cemented a legacy unlike any other among critics, collectors, and connoisseurs. 

History of the 1982 Bordeaux Vintage

1982 was a rare year where everything seemed to fall perfectly in place for Bordeaux winemakers. After falling behind rising Napa Valley stars in the late 1970s and early 1980s following the monumental 1976 Judgement of Paris, 1982 was a make-or-break year for Bordeaux estates. As James Laube from the Wine Spectator recalls, "[Napa] was the gold standard]." Right when many in the industry pondered if the prestigious French region could be overtaken, Bordeaux wine was hit with magical weather and a revolutionary enologist who transformed French winemaking. 

Emile Peynaud, cited as the "Forefather of Modern Enology," worked with famed estates like Chateau Margaux to implement a new style of winemaking. He stood by the philosophy of picking grapes when fully ripe rather than picking before rainfall and introduced a careful selection process in the vineyard and cellar. Furthermore, he had a helping hand in influencing Bordeaux winemakers to increase alcohol percentages for the final bottling. The percentages were, at the time, marked as the highest in decades, noting a stark change in Bordeaux's philosophy.

As Peynaud began to influence winemaking techniques, the weather allowed the perfect growing conditions across the region. From the Medoc to Pauillac, Left Bank and Right Bank estates experienced tremendous weather from May to September, extracting the best results from each terroir. With dry weather from May to July, with particularly hot days in the latter month, Bordeaux then experienced cool weather in August. September saw another heat wave with added rain, just in time for the harvesting season. The intense heat proved to be picturesque for Merlot to ripen while the rainfall delicately allowed Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc to reach their full potential.

Notable 1982 Bordeaux Wine Producers

While there is no wrong choice from the 1982 Bordeaux vintage, certain estates reached higher highs than others. Two particular winners were Chateau Mouton-Rothschild and Chateau Latour, each receiving some of the first 100-point scores from legendary critic, Robert Parker. In his latest review of the Latour bottling, Parker simply stated, "Don’t miss it if you are a wine lover."

Other top wines from the vintage include the Gruaud Larose, Lafleur, Margaux, and Beychevelle bottlings. 

'82 Bordeaux Tasting Notes

Known for their power, complexity, and extraordinary longevity, the 1982 Bordeaux wines are a true testament to the artistry of winemaking. As many have praised wines from the vintage, it was Robert Parker who provided the loudest acclaim and made a name for himself doing so. Prior to rating the 1982 Bordeaux wines, Parker was an up and coming critic who had yet to cement himself as the definitive voice in fine wine. His pre-release notes commanded unprecedented attention, leading to building hype for the public release. He exclaimed the '82 vintage was the greatest in Bordeaux since 1961, rating five of the wines perfect scores and handing a "Green Emblem" to the 99-point Cheval Blanc release, noting its innovation for sustainable winemaking. 

Overall, wines from this vintage are known for containing a signature style, noted best by the Wine Advocate:

"...broad, fleshy and enveloping, with comparatively below-average acidity and sweet tannins. This is a generous, somewhat flamboyant vintage, but that generosity doesn’t come at the expense of classical balance, nor does it efface the distinctive identities of the different estates."

1982 Bordeaux Wine Prices 

Bottles for the famed class of '82 continue to demand high prices, as the quality is highly sought after by dedicated wine enthusiasts. According to a 2023 report from Decanter Magazine, 12-bottle packs in Original Wood Casing (OWC) demanded up to $60,000 at auction, reflecting their immense investment potential and aging capabilities. 

Your Chance to Own Bordeaux Wine History

We have meticulously curated this collection to offer you some of the finest selection of 1982 Bordeaux wines available. Our commitment to white-glove service ensures that each bottle arrives in pristine condition, ready to be savored or added to your esteemed cellar collection.

Shop now and relish the opportunity to own a piece of vinous excellence, as you delve into the world of 1982 Bordeaux wines. Discover the magic of this iconic vintage and let its allure captivate your senses.

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