The weather pattern this year in Bordeaux is different. But, you might say, it always is; that's what makes this region's wines so fascinating.
Well, yes. But this year is a different kind of different.
A seven-month drought culminating in scorching June heat is unusual. Then a very wet July is most unusual. One unfortunate set of our 'Wine Advisors' or 'Bounders' came for two weeks’ work here in July and had rain every day.
Châteaux here have detailed weather records going back one or even two centuries, but I don't believe they've seen that combination before.
But the one balanced the other; that rain cancelled out the early start.
So when I got here beginning of August, things looked about normal.
August, so far, has been mixed. About 50/50 sunny/cloudy-with-showers.
What this means for the vintage is still impossible to call, though some writers are already dismissing the vintage. (They really should think about the livelihoods of us small growers before they do that).
It’s not THAT bad. The early fine weather kicked growth off a month ahead of usual, so grapes are well-ripened. The subsequent wet weather, which in the past would have caused outbreaks of rot, is now easily manageable. We have the techniques, these days.
So as of now, it’s all to play for. At La Clarière we won't have a big crop, but some of our neighbours will. Not fair, really. But there you go.
The top châteaux, with all their techniques and all that money at their disposal will, if the weather stays reasonable, probably make great wines. They'll likely make less of their Premier Vin and more of their Deuxieme. But that's how they keep their prices up.
But if it rains from now to October – well then, not great. A light vintage. Not a bad one though.
Patience. We just have to wait until the fat lady sings ... in a month or so. She's on hols just now.
We are going to walk into Saint Emilion for supper, now. And see what that lot have to say.
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