The weather in 2002 was warmer and less wet than the average, especially in the first half of the year. Budbreak occurred at the end of March, two to five days earlier, depending on the variety, than the average for the last thirty years. The warm, wet weather continued from April to June, though mid-flowering was noted on 5 and 6 June, in line with the average. Temperatures in July and August were slightly lower than the seasonal average, but they had little significant impact. From the start of the vegetation cycle, the climatic conditions in 2002 were generally typical of a dry or even very dry year, with 40% less rainfall than the average. Mid-veraison was noted between 12 and 15 August, very slightly later than the average for the Merlot. An exceptional Indian summer from 27 August to 9 October enabled the grapes to mature in outstanding conditions. The harvest was small because of the drought, but potentially of very high quality.