After a relatively mild winter with below average rainfall, the first major event in 2017 was a spring frost which hit the whole Bordeaux terroir on 27 April, though the Mouton vineyard was very fortunately spared. That was followed by a particularly lengthy drought, which did not truly end until December. Spurred by above average temperatures, the vine growth cycle started slightly earlier than usual, at the end of March. Exceptional weather in April and May meant that flowering occurred 10 days earlier than the average for all varieties. After a very wet June, the summer was moderately sunny but dry, increasing a water deficit which started in 2016. As a result, the grapes remained small, with concentrated sugar and colour. With an early growth cycle and a dry summer, the 2017 harvest was particularly early. At Château Mouton Rothschild, it lasted from 7 to 29 September. Running-off ended on 20 October and blending was completed in December. The wines are rich, with a deep colour and an attractive tannic structure, full-bodied and pleasantly fresh even though 2017 is a solar vintage.