"Magnificent weather throughout September offered us perfect conditions for harvesting" commented Patrick Jestin CEO of Vins et Vignoble Dourthe, owner of some of Bordeaux's fine wine estates.
The summer weather assisted the development of sugars and aromas in the red grape varieties. The superb condition of the vineyards and the onset of cooler weather ensured that grapes were at their maximum ripeness. Many say that harvesting conditions were similar to 2005. A superb year!
Yields are good. Grapes are thicked skinned and sugar levels are high, acidity is low and there is a good deal of maturity.
I consider that comparisons with 2005 are somewhat premature as there appears less acidity and tannin. Both essential for ageing. Certainly it is a vintage that we can keep under review.
Buyers will however need to be quick about decisions, once the wines are offered, because volumes of en primeur will be down and with immense interest from the Far East will only stock demand. I think it will be a pricey vintage what with sterling in the wars and knowing this government they will find someway of taxing what few pleasures are left to us.