This was  the earliest start date we have ever experienced for picking the grapes of our Blanquette de Limoux.

However, the umpire called the ball out because, and we stopped again before barely 2 ha had been brought in – the grapes needed a bit more ripening time in the sun.   The harvest got into its stride two days later.

Only 2 mm of rain have fallen at Rives-Blanques in as many months, but early signs of this year’s harvest showed that the vines have not suffered unduly.  An abundance of  juice came pouring out of the press, and the quality of the grapes  can only be described as absolutely astounding (in Jancis Robinson speak, VVVVG)