It was 7 degrees yesterday morning at 6 am when we started harvesting our Merlots.

After a year marked by repeated heatwaves, these cool nights are welcome to complete the ripening of the red grapes. The Merlots we brought in yesterday are absolutely magnificent, with skins that have finally thinned out. The only slight drawback: high alcohol levels (we are awaiting lab results, but certainly close to 15 degrees) and low acidity. We will need to be very vigilant during fermentation. A vintage that ultimately brings some wonderful surprises, with yields close to 40 hectolitres per hectare and quality well and truly there. We could not have hoped for better for our tenth vintage. And I certainly wouldn't have bet on that just a month ago.