1997 Red Bordeaux

1997 was not an easy year for Bordeaux growers. Flowering occurred nearly 3 weeks earlier than normal, due to warm weather in early spring, and was badly affected by the cold and damp weather that occurred during most of May. This led to an unevenness of maturity in the grapes, which was further accentuated by intermittent rain during June and by particularly stormy weather at the end of August.

This is not a great vintage but it is too often maligned. In reality, many of the wines possess real charm and marvellous purity of fruit. They will be ready for drinking long before the marvellous 95s and 96s and, when looked at for what they are - easy drinking, ripe wines with sweet fruit flavours that will mature early - they are truly delicious.