There is a special buzz in the air when you visit the châteaux during the harvest period. This year, the excitement began very early. By the end of August, most of the estates had already brought in the grapes from their white vineyards. By mid-September, most of the Merlot grapes had been harvested, and by the end of September, nearly 90% of the Cabernet grapes had also found their way into the vats. This is one of the characteristics of this vintage: a harvest that was both early and short.