As we do every week, we carry out a full tour of the vineyards to check that the situation is still under control and review our priorities if necessary

So far, we are keeping things under control. Downy mildew is only present on a few rare leaves, either young leaves or old leaves, and in the latter case, it has dried out nicely. We are at mid-flowering. Flowering is complete on the early-ripening grape varieties and is beginning on the later varieties. From this stage on, it is customary to say that harvest will take place in 100 days, which would bring us to around 15 September for the Merlot. All in all, this is quite a classic date for recent years. The vines had gained a considerable head start in their development in early April, but this advance was wiped out by the cold and relentless rain that shaped the month of May. We remain very vigilant, as last year we suffered heavy losses on the Merlot due to the rains around 10 June. Heavy thunderstorms are forecast for this weekend. Combined with the returning heat, this could quickly cause damage. We have therefore brought the sprayers back out to treat again before the weekend. Otherwise, apart from the areas that suffered frost, the bunch emergence looks lovely and could hold a fine harvest in store for us if everything goes all the way. But there is still a long way to go! PS. Photo of the bushy and vigorous Saint-Macaire.