For much of the year conditions were not promising in Burgundy and particularly in Côte de Beaune.

Poor weather in June meant that the flowering was moderate signifying low yields and a relatively late harvest. In September the weather cheered up, indeed was superb for three weeks, giving a real hope of a quality vintage.

However the weather faltered in early October and though there were few disease problems it was hard to get the grapes fully ripe. Indeed one noted Beaune negociant was subsequently prosecuting for chaptalising their musts by more than the permitted two degrees of alcohol. The white wines were more badly affected than the reds.

Most of the 1987 white Burgundy wines would have long been past their prime.