May 11th to 13th are known as the Ice Saints in France, a cold snap which theoretically marks the last risk of frost damage in the vineyards. It came a little bit close this year: just 2°C on St Pancras’ Day (12th) at our house, though would have been a touch warmer in the vines. Happily, I can report that the vines are thriving and we look forward to a healthy flowering in the next few days.