While it still requires further time for a comprehensive evaluation, the outlook for Burgundy in 2022 appears exceptionally promising.
The growing season initiated with a smooth start until April brought frigid lows, prompting producers to take vigilant measures in safeguarding the young buds. Some had blossomed prematurely, leaving them vulnerable to frost. Despite experiencing minor losses, the majority of new growth managed to weather the frosty ordeal with minimal damage.
Following this challenging period, a period of mild weather facilitated an early and successful flowering, along with fruit set, enjoying pleasant conditions for much of the growing season. June brought a much-needed downpour of rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and even some hail, albeit reducing yields before a scorching summer took hold.
From July onward, the weather transitioned into a scorching and arid phase, offering little respite leading up to the harvest. Although the dry heat deterred the onset of rot, mildew, or other diseases, drought began to pose a concern, particularly for younger vines. While the intense heat slowed down vine growth, in some cases, it caused vines to halt their growth entirely. However, this extreme heat prompted the surviving grapes to achieve full phenolic ripeness.
Unsurprisingly, the hot weather led to an early harvest, extending over a month as various appellations reached phenolic ripeness at different times. Notably, both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay seem poised for exceptional quality, exhibiting concentrated fruit character, aromatic complexity, and structural integrity. Worries of elevated alcohol levels seem to have been largely avoided, possibly thanks to the cool nights, which not only offered relief but also aided in preserving acidity within the grapes.
While it will undoubtedly take more time to provide an exact analysis of the vintage, given that the harvest has just concluded, it is safe to say that the potential for some outstanding wines exists. However, the true extent of their excellence will only become apparent with the passage of time.
Philip Stephenson-Oliver