2006: Everything finally did go well this year. Spring saw quite a bit of rain, thus re-building ground-water reserves that had dipped below normal in the last few years. The season was also quite cold, which extended the flowering phase.

A hot, dry summer followed, encouraging the component accumulation process in the grapes. Luxuriant foliage contributed to this as well: we had not seen such quantity and efficiency for many years.

In August, sunny skies and marine breezes in Bolgheri ensured a fine, gradual ripening process. As a matter of fact, wineries began scanning the skies with worried looks, waiting for some relief.

Just when all hopes seemed fruitless, we received almost 200mm of rain in just one hour (as often happens in these seaside areas). But the ground was able to absorb it well, and the vines drank it in as well, and after a few days the grapes again displayed a good component balance.

Finally what one can call an outstanding vintage. Guado al Melo added another wine to its line, Bacco in Toscana.