The elements conspired in 1999 to give growers some of the most challenging weather conditions in the last decade.

Intermittent storms hit most regions in the early half of August, though the weather was hot and dry in the latter half of the month. St-Emilion was hit by a particularly vicious hailstorm on 5th September and the heavens opened just when the Merlot grapes were reaching optimum ripeness. The Médoc fared better, with the majority of the Cabernets being picked during the final week of September when dry weather prevailed.

The top properties overcame the weather problems and produced very attractive wines with excellent balance, lovely ripe fruit and good structure.