Gavin Quinney of Ch Bauduc (pictured) sends this report of the story so far. Follow his 2012 vintage tweets @GavinQuinney.
After a long, wet spring, we've had a lovely summer in Bordeaux. Unlike last year, however, the owners and MDs of leading châteaux can enjoy the end of their August break on the Atlantic coast at Cap Ferret and Arcachon without feeling the need to rush back to their vines. The red-wine harvest is still some way off.
No two growing seasons are ever the same in Bordeaux but the contrast between 2011 and 2012 could not be more striking...