Edition of September 15, 2026

Cheval Blanc calls 2026 a vintage of records

Director Pierre Olivier Clouet says the 2026 vintage looks highly promising despite exceptional heat. The Saint Émilion estate is navigating an intense harvest with experienced local picking teams.

Cheval Blanc offers an important early reading of conditions on the Right Bank, particularly for Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It remains one estate's assessment, but its harvest decisions and eventual balance will influence the wider 2026 narrative.

Source: Terre de Vins Château Cheval Blanc Saint-Émilion The VintageVineyard and Cellar

Bordeaux and California face off in Manila

A Manila tasting is marking 50 years since the Judgment of Paris by placing Bordeaux and California wines in direct comparison.

Comparative tastings remain a powerful way to test Bordeaux's reputation with international collectors. They also show how California has moved from challenger to established peer in many global markets.

Source: Bilyonaryo The Fine Wine MarketCritics and Scores

The Médoc Marathon brings wine country to the course

Costumed runners in the Médoc Marathon stop for local wine, oysters and regional food as they run through Bordeaux’s wine country.

The marathon gives Médoc estates direct visibility beyond traditional tastings and château visits. That kind of cultural reach matters as Bordeaux seeks deeper relationships with consumers rather than relying solely on established trade channels.

Source: The New York Times Médoc Critics and ScoresVisiting Bordeaux