Old haunts, new juice

Interesting summer … wine-wise. Not over yet, of course. This vintage is going to go down to the wire as they say in sport. To the very end of October.

It’s like we have opposing weather teams: the Hot Sunnies versus the Cool Wets. Both have put on impressive performances this year … fortunes have swung to and fro … first one then the other ahead. Wets dominated at first, then Sunnies pulled it back, now Wets are returning. Next???

This appears to be the situation almost everywhere in Europe. Not known that ever before. We are now into the final session … after tea on day five, so to speak.

In the two matches with which I am personally involved: Bordeaux; it looks like the Wets have it in the bag. England; predicting a win for the Sunnies.

But as we know, a lot can happen in the last few overs as light fades. The Sunnies in Bordeaux might just stage a record-breaking last wicket stand and sneak it before the light-meter comes out.

The Wets in England, where, let's face it, they have an impressive record could just hang on in there and spoil it for the Sunnies who are perhaps predicting a win rather too early. Grey Rot, the Wets’ not so secret weapon could well cause havoc at the end. Unless the Sunnies play it extremely watchful.

Down to the wire.

Elsewhere? Reports coming in. I'll get back on that.

Am in Bordeaux doing my old act for a crowd of our youngest and finest from the UK and US teams. Visiting the old places where it all started almost 50 years ago now.  Ye Gods!

I introduce them to Brigitte Bourlon, grandaughter of our oldest supplier: Le Vieux Chateau Guibeau. Young Brigitte I learn has a daughter of 16 … it won't be long before I'm dealing with the fourth generation.

Ye Gods indeed. Call me Methuselah.

And a camera crew came from one of France's very top favourite TV programmes. Sort of like our 'Coast' programme (which I love), they report on the more beautiful parts of this country, their history and people. This programme is a two-hour special on the River Dordogne … source to sea.

They love the old Chai au Quai and have us talking all morning about how it came to be here … how vital this river was for the wine trade. 'Des Racines et Des Ailes'. Must catch it.

Tonight, after dinner, both our visiting group and the TV team will be at Le Chai around 10pm when – we hope – Mark comes in with the first juice of the vintage: Chardonnay from the Midi which he's harvested and pressed today.

Looking forward to the electric thrill we get when the first scent of the first crushed grapes hits our noses. There will be a little Champagne and some cheering. The Midi has had a better summer than most places. Thank God.