A suberb, yet small, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wine vintage across the board in North America, except in Washington State which was highly variable.

1987 marked a prolonged drought period. that resulted in a much deminished crop. which was further reduced by a heat wave in mid-summer. Harvesting had to be fast to rescue whatever was left fom the crop. For those who managed to do so, the grapes produced wines of intense, rich flavours, but also big, powerful tannins.

Merlot experienced a challenging growing season. However, the fruit ripened before the late September heat spells and the vintage turned out to be one of the best in the decade. Small berries and a small crop created big, plush, plummy Merlots.