Climatology - A ‘tropical vintage’ according to Olivier Bernard, the owner of Domaine de Chevalier. After a warm start to Spring and early flowering came a period of tropical-like wet weather (the 4th most rainy vintage in 25 years with 959 mm of rainfall) and high temperatures (hottest vintage on average after 2022). Mildew spread sporadically in a few early ripening merlot plots around Margaux, Pessac and Entre Deux Mers.

Harvest - The lack of sunshine was a a conundrum for growers because the temperatures were warm. Whilst acidity levels remained high and potential alcohols low, some growers feared that phenotypical or complete ripeness would not be achieved without effeuillage (removing leaves). Actually, the heat waves and late Indian summer ripened the grapes fully and intensified the aromatics. A long harvest ensued under serene conditions. Alfred Tesseron of Pontet Canet, mentioned that this was the longest harvest since 1949 which contributed to the complexity and finesse of his successful grand vin.