After the glorious 2000 Vintage growers came down to earth with a slight bump in 2001 with uneven weather prevailing throughout much of the growing season - April frosts caused some damage and the weather in May was generally fine. This was followed by cool weather in June, which resulted in uneven flowering. July was cool and unsettled while August was scorchingly hot with violent hailstorms that caused considerable localised damage. September was generally cool and dry and the harvest began on September 20th.

Quantities are a little lower than in 2000 and 1999. Opinion amongst growers on the quality varies, some preferring 2001 while others opt for the slightly plumper 2000 or 1999. The grapes were certainly physiologically ripe in 2001, but the perception is that the wines are slightly crisper, not because the acidities are technically higher but because the tartaric acid seems more to the fore. Broadly speaking, the conclusion is that the wines are highly attractive, with good mineral definition, slightly less opulent than the best of the previous vintage but possibly with better ageing potential.