Bordeaux 2019 & A Military Coup?

WELCOME TO EDITION 775 of GRAPEVINE

It is not possible – for the moment – to travel to France from Singapore without undergoing quarantine upon arrival.

There is also an additional 14-day quarantine when arriving back to Singapore.

So, in spite of Bordeaux chateaux inviting me to taste their 2019 Vintage, I have to stay put.

The grapevine – and tasting Chateau Fourcas Hosten 2019 last week – is pointing to Bordeaux 2019 being a very good to outstanding vintage. For white and red.

Bordeaux 2019 will, however, be a hard sell.

The world is – financially – a considerably poorer place because of Covid 19.

Even people who have been making a bundle manufacturing masks, hand sanitizers, and ventilators cannot be certain what the future holds.

If there were a second wave and no vaccine in 2021, they cannot possibly rejoice because the world will become a deadlier place even for them, their families, and employees.

Even if there were an economic recovery in America, it will not help much because Donald Trump had already levied a 25% duty on French wine (below 14% alcohol).

Bordeaux winegrowers may have to wait for a Joe Biden victory in November to usher in a longer lasting solution.

If, on the other hand, Trump wins re-election, things may get worse because he had threatened to up duties to 100%.

Or not.

Since threatening to call in the military to quell civilian protesters across America, former generals and some in the Pentagon have voiced their dissent.

While not suggesting that those who have spoken out are inciting it, for the first time in living memory, a military coup in the US of A is no longer unthinkable.

Wishing you A Good Week Ahead.