Review about the 1953 vintage

The 1953 vintage is satisfactory in all the wine regions of France

1953 is an excellent vintage of Bordeaux

In the Bordeaux region, all the Châteaux de Bordeaux produced great 1953 wines. However, the 1953 vintage benefited from changing climatic conditions. An early and dry spring with a few frosts which did not, however, weaken the vines. Flowering well underway.

The summer of 1953 was beautiful and the month of August perfect. On the other hand, episodes of rain in September delayed the harvest. The grapes were harvested from October 2 at perfect maturity and with significant yields.

This vintage is excellent in Bordeaux. The wines are elegant, balanced and charming, at their peak. Reds of the great Châteaux such as Haut Brion 1953, Château Figeac 1953 or even Château Pavie 1953 stand out.

The Sauternes are of very good quality. Wines full of charm and finesse. Sauternes from the 1953 vintage are very interesting for tasting. We suggest the Château d’Yquem 1953, Château Coutet 1953 and the Château Rayne Vigneau 1953.

Burgundy wines of 1953

Our opinion on the 1953 vintage is quite befriedigend in Burgundy. The Burgundy wine estates enjoyed a good year with a pleasant and mild spring. Despite the rainy episodes of June and July, the months of August and September were hot and dry and ensured the ripening of the grapes. The harvest starts on 29. September. The 1953 vintage was not abandant but the quality was good. The red wines have color and a lot of distinction.

Regarding the white Burgundy wines of 1953, the wines are pleasant, full of charm and supple. Even if they may lack a little structure, they are of medium age.

The general quality of the 1953 vintage is very good. Delicious, supple and ripe wines. Some are very well kept and still superb.

A satisfactory vintage from the Rhône side

The Rhône region experienced very good climatic conditions during 1953. This vintage is of good quality. The harvest was exceptional in the northern part (north). Overall, powerful wines that keep well. Wines from the Cornas, Côte Rôtie, Hermitage or even appellations are to be preferred.

Champagnes of 1953 vintage

Finally, on the Champagne side, the 1953 vintage is satisfactory. The year 1953 was beneficial for the Champagnes. A good flowering season and early harvests allowed the grapes to ripen well. Supple and elegant wines.

We recommend the Krug 1953, the Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut 1953 and the Perrier-Jouët 1953.

Our selection of 1953 wines

Château Figeac 1953

Jancis Robinson 18.5/20 wine tasting in 2010

“Blackish with a brick rim. More acid than the 1955. Slightly dry end. Lighter than the 1955 but very correct. Much less obvious ripeness, yet without the completeness of 1964. Rather pretty and complete though.”

Château Gilette Crème de tête 1953

Michael Broadbent tasted in 1987

“Fabulous, unusual raspberry tang; medium sweet, fine peach flavor.”