2011 was one of the hottest, sunniest and driest of the last forty years. Hot weather in April and May gave the vegetation cycle a head start: flowering was recorded on 15 May, the earliest date in living memory, and veraison started two-and-half weeks earlier than usual. Conditions in July and August were very different, bringing less sunshine and significantly more precipitation. However, by the end of August, only 326 mm of rainfall had been recorded since 1 January, compared with an average of 519 mm. Fine weather returned to the M�doc in early September, and bright sunshine prevailed throughout the two weeks of the harvest, which began on 12 September. These auspicious conditions were highly beneficial, allowing the grapes to ripen fully. Picking ended on 28 September. Low yields have produced structured, deep, fresh wines, especially at Mouton. 2011