An early spring heralded a year of mild but dull weather. The grey skies and rain were a permanent feature and from July onwards, the temperature dropped. In spite of that, the 2000 vintage proved to be as bountiful as those of 1998 and 1999 : this was the third successive year of superabundance. However, at 5 p.m on July 14th, a thunderstorm broke : large hailstones whipped up by a storm-force wind were followed by a hailstorm which completely shrouded the vines. On the eve of the harvest, morale was at its lowest ebb.
Today, some people speak of a miracle, since the sun reappeared in the middle of August and the harvest which commenced on September 15th under blue and sunny skies was a pleasant surprise to say the least ! A painstaking selection of the grapes immediately after picking, gave rise to a high-quality wine with a sugar content of 10.3° and 7.5g acidity. The little Pinot grapes of Aÿ, both robust and full-flavoured, had once more lived up to their reputation.
