Hang on to your Bordeaux. The Telegraph in the United Kingdom recently reported that a fungal disease is expected to reduce this year's crop by as much as 70 percent.

Fungal disease is caused by heavy rains in the spring. Once it appears on the grapes, there is little that can be done. There is a spray of copper sulfate and slaked lime to prevent fungal disease, but growers have been loathed to use it because of their commitment to organic farming. Even those who have used it as a preventative say it isn't foolproof.

It sounds as if no one has been spared -- and merlot growers are affected the worst.

This is hardly the news Bordeaux wants. Last year's production was cut 40 percent because of severe frost. It was the worst harvest since 1945.

With harvest more than a month off, it remains to be seen how badly this disease will impact this year's production.