Johan Berglund visited Bordeaux during the first half of September when the Merlot was coming in thick and fast. A precocious budbreak meant harvest has been tracking early from the beginning of the growing season. This year, plenty of rain, heat, and sunshine allowed the vines to ripen at a swift, steady pace. Relentless mildew outbreaks kept growers on their toes with evasive maneuvers, but early reports do not suggest that yields will be down significantly. Meanwhile, winemakers appear happy with the quality thus far, but, as with all things wine, the proof is in the pudding.