The 2006 French harvest is heading for a replay of 2005 with official reports showing similar harvest patterns and projected yields.

According to Onivins, the French national wine office, this year's harvest is expected to produce 5,360 million litres, compared with 5,350 million litres in 2005. "Everywhere, the clusters [of berries] are fine and promising," said Onivins. "Their health is highly satisfactory."

This could spell good news for winemakers in Bordeaux, whose superlative 2005 vintage looks set to be reproduced - if all goes well. "The harvest potential is very promising but the uncertainty remains over the drought levels of the next two months," Onivins said.

For the complete story, go to http://www.decanter.com/news/88951.html