Global warming has caused some dramatic changes in Burgundy, where the weather seems to get more and more unpredictable and even violent. The hail episodes and storms over the past decade are most likely directly linked to global warming, as it appears there is an increase in hailstorm frequency …
Vintage report 2018
Hail, Hailstorms – and even a Hail Mary
Global warming has caused some dramatic changes in Burgundy, where the weather seems to get more and more unpredictable and even violent. I don't have any solid evidence that the hail episodes over the past decade are directly linked to global warming, but neither do I find assertions that the …
[Read more...] about Hail, Hailstorms – and even a Hail Mary
The balance among freshness, phenolic ripeness and alcohol
I am just back from Burgundy, where I tasted many wines from the acclaimed 2018 vintage. It was a good trip, as there are in fact many fine 2018s. But this is an historically uneven vintage, and at times it can be a very bumpy ride indeed. The key issue in the hot 2018 vintage was striking …
[Read more...] about The balance among freshness, phenolic ripeness and alcohol
The 2018s tasted and reflected upon in November 2019
I am just back from Burgundy, having tasted many more offerings from the acclaimed 2018 vintage. Let me be very clear: While there are brilliant 2018s, this is an uneven vintage at best, and at times it can be a very bumpy ride. 2018 could be either joy or a momentary downfall for some famous …
[Read more...] about The 2018s tasted and reflected upon in November 2019
Expected harvest dates..
The Burgundy harvest is always tricky, and predicting the start of harvest is difficult, as there is a significant variation in timing amongst the growers. According to my sources – different ones – harvest for most is likely to start around September10 for the whites, whereas start for the reds …