An EXCITING EXPERIENCE FOR CO-OWNER, Knox

Hello, it seems this “harvest update” post has become a reoccurring thing between the two of us. Don’t tell the others but you’re my favorite reader, you understand fine wine AND you’re a great listener. 

This harvest, I started my adventure in France, working at Domaine Merlin, a wonderful winery in the Mâconnais. They make fantastic Chardonnay, Gamay, and Pinot Noir while also sharing the same mentality as Au Bon Climat, affordability. The Domaine was started in 1987 by Olivier Merlin, and it is now run by his two sons: Teo and Paul. Though Teo and Paul carry out and manage the viticulture and vinification, Olivier and his wife Corinne are always there to give advice and lend a hand. Teo also worked a harvest at Au Bon Climat in 2012, so it was only natural for me to spend my only Old-World harvest with family friends. Though the harvest was only a few weeks, it was tough work. They start drinking wine over there at 9 am, THEN have coffee, THEN go back to work. Now I’d like to think that I am a professional when it comes to wine consumption, but it’s clear the French have me beat. I spent most of my time working with the reds, but I also helped with the Chardonnay when it was needed. I bombarded Teo with questions and luckily, he was kind enough to indulge my curiosity. I learned so much from them, not only about their stylistic choices for winemaking but also about the prominence wine has in their culture. To meet people that not only view wine with passion but also as a base necessity for social gatherings was truly comforting. I felt right at home. 

Now I’m not going to sugar coat it. The year was tough for Burgundy. There was lots of rain which put a lot of mildew pressure on the vineyards. Botrytis was a common sight in the Côte-d’Or and the Mâconnais. However, the Domaines did what they could farming wise and despite how bad the year was I think there will be some exceptional wines. I’d like to think I lent a hand in making some 😉

I am so grateful for the hospitality of Domaine Merlin, my time there will always hold a special place in my heart. Now I am back at Au Bon Climat finishing up our vinification and I must say the wines, though in their infancy, are looking spectacular. We might end up giving Burgundy a run for their money for 2024. Always good to have a little bit of friendly competition. That’s all from me for this year. I hope you have a lovely Autumn with some lovely wines to boot.

Cheers, Knox Clendenen