Bordeaux 2011: ‘Back to reality,’ say vintners (France)

At this early stage of vintage 2011, some Bordeaux vintners are expressing relief that they haven’t produced another great harvest this year. It is not a universal opinion – Paul Pontallier at Chateau Margaux said the grapes he has brought in so far are ‘excellent’ – but some insiders are happy to report a good but less-than-stellar vintage, reports Decanter. ‘After 2009 and 2010, 2011 brings us back to reality,’ David Pernet of consultants Sovivins said