2015 - a vintage that comes just once in a decade

IT has been a long time since we had such glorious weather like we experienced in all the 17 days we were in Europe (Tuscany and Burgundy) in the first half of last month. It was warm, sunny, and temperatures were in the low 30s with low humidity.

Throughout Tuscany, Montalcino and Burgundy the weather was similar, making it one of the most comfortable and enjoyable wine holidays in a long time. We were able to taste the 2016s from the barrel and some newly bottled 2015s in cellars where the 2016s were still undergoing secondary fermentation.

At all the wineries we visited - Fontodi (Tuscany), Conti Costanti (Montalcino), Sassicaia and Ornellaia (Bolgheri), Domaines Comtes de Vogue, Lafon, Leflaive, Michel Gros, Drouhin, J F Mugnier, Bonneau du Martray, Romanee-Conti - there were broad smiles and happy comments about not only 2015 but also 2016, another potentially very good vintage.