As I wrap up my time in Bordeaux for the En Primeur 2023 campaign, I am feeling grateful for this opportunity and to share my experience with you all.  I don't have much time as we learned that the campaign will begin with a bang starting today, Monday, April 29th.  It will be an intense, fast, and furious first two weeks with many top Chateaux releasing early.  It is still expected for the entire campaign to continue through mid June.  

Throughout the week, as we made our way from Châteaux to Châteaux, we learned about the growing season and all that they did in the vineyards to ensure they could produce an exceptional vintage.  A wet start which brought on lots and lots of flowering and Hot and dry June is what we heard from everyone.  Mildew was a big concern, but many were able to avoid that by being prepared and knowing how to handle that situation from previous experience and failures, and those that weren't had reduced yields dropping those bunches to the floor.  Yields were outstanding and ranging from low 40 to mid 50 hectoliters per hectare.  For some, it was the highest yield ever.  High yields in previous vintages correlated to outstanding and sought after vintages.  Another factor that helped was low light.  Lots of good cloud cover during the hot and dry times.  Alcohol levels are lower across the board from the mid 12% to mid 14%.  Overall, this vintage has great freshness and tannic structure, but an approachable vintage early on for many.  So, some like Les Carmes and VCC for example have great aging potential, but I definitely wouldn't hesitate to open early and enjoy young.  This was the census from many in our group and the technical directors, winemakers, and negociants we spoke to throughout the week.  I am excited for this vintage.