A year that had greatness snatched from its jaws by the relentless and incessant rains that affected all the growing areas in September and October. However, many elegant, soft and well-balanced wines were produced and recently they have really come into their own. The Merlot-based wines were the most successful, with many St-Emilion and Pomerol properties producing wines of good colour and weight.

For claret drinkers looking for decent, well-made drinking claret, this is an ideal vintage to buy. They are all drinking well and are consistently delicious and reliable. Clinet, Grand-Puy Lacoste and Pichon Lalande are particularly good.