Harvest 2026: 7 hectares down

Harvest 2026

Néac, 3 September 2026

We began picking on 27 August — the earliest start in the history of the estate. A week into the vintage, here is where we stand.

Seven hectares in

We have now brought in around seven hectares, and so far things are looking good. Yields are coming in at roughly 38 hectolitres per hectare — a measured crop, which is usually a promising sign for concentration.

The pace is steady rather than rushed. An early harvest does not mean a hurried one, and we would rather pick each parcel at its own moment than empty the vineyard in one sweep.

Néac, early September 2026.

A year for sorting

This is a vintage that asks for patience at the sorting table. Some berries are coming in a little less ripe than others, so we are being particularly selective as the fruit arrives at the cellar. Everything that is not right goes out.

It makes for long days, and a good deal more standing than usual — thirsty work, as we keep reminding ourselves. But sorting is where a vintage is quietly decided, long before anything reaches a barrel.

The earliest start we have known

Never in the estate's history have we begun so early. The previous record belonged to the extraordinary, sun-drenched 2003 — a vintage that held it for twenty-three years. This year, picking started a full week ahead of it.

We will keep this journal updated as the vintage progresses — parcel by parcel, until the last row is in.