Challenging weather at the outset of the growing season led to outbreaks of coulure and this was followed by violent hailstorms in Meursault and Puligny Montrachet. This led to the final crop being significantly reduced (in some cases by as much as 50% compared to the 96s).

One often hears that low yields help deliver wines of tremendous intensity and concentration and this is certainly the case for many of the finest White Burgundies produced this year. First-rate wines were produced, displaying rich, ripe fruit flavours and good structure.

Compared to the 96s, they are a little short on acidity and thus are proving highly accessible even in youth. In style, they resemble the highly rated 1992 vintage but possess more subtlety and finesse.