A Good Year 2006

In the sweltering summer of his youth, Young Max Skinner, shaped by the tragic loss of his parents, created cherished memories during idyllic holidays at his Uncle Henry’s vineyard in Provence, southeastern France. Fast forward twenty-five years, Max has evolved into a successful yet overly confident trader in London, sporting a cheeky demeanor that mirrors his polished appearance.

Following the death of Uncle Henry, Max inherits the vineyard, which prompts him to return to Provence with the intention of rapidly selling off the property. However, his first encounter with local café owner Fanny Chenal leads to a comical disaster, as his distracted phone handling inadvertently causes her to crash her bicycle, triggering a series of unforeseen events that challenge Max’s resolve.

While preparing to sell the estate, Max becomes enmeshed in a plethora of complications. His recent financial blunder back in London has created turmoil among his colleagues, requiring his urgent return to the city. Simultaneously, a slip into an empty swimming pool, courtesy of Fanny’s quick thinking and some playful antics, exacerbates his predicament.

Max’s efforts to expedite the sale hit a snag when Christie Roberts, a spirited wine enthusiast from Napa Valley, claims to be Uncle Henry’s long-lost daughter. Although Christie isn’t a legitimate heir according to French law, her connection to the estate complicates Max’s plans and leaves him feeling unsettled.

Amidst this chaotic backdrop, Max discovers solace in the nuances of his uncle’s exquisite wine, Le Coin Perdu, which both he and Christie find intriguingly captivating. During a dinner at the Duflot household, Max’s concerns regarding Christie’s unexpected claims lead him into a hasty inquiry, revealing the depth of the unexpected rivalry.

In London, Max faces further complications as his assistant Gemma warns him about Kenny’s underhanded tactics. Trying to preserve his interests, Max misdirects Kenny, resulting in the young trader’s downfall. As both personal and professional challenges mount, Max must navigate his evolving sense of self and reassess the true significance of the vineyard now entrusted to him.

As Max’s feelings for Fanny, who seems to have sworn off relationships, reach an emotional peak, he manages to win her trust enough to share a night of closeness. Yet, by the morning, she anticipates his swift return to London, leaving behind the enchanting charms of Provence. Christie, dissatisfied with Max’s choices, decides it’s time for her to move on as well.

Unexpectedly, Max uncovers Uncle Henry’s memoirs, which unveil surprising truths about Fanny’s heritage, intensifying their relationship’s complexity. In a poignant farewell, he gives her an intriguing note concealed within the memoir’s pages, amplifying her unanswered questions.

As Max attends to the estate’s affairs, he learns that the beloved Le Coin Perdu wine was produced through unconventional means, raising eyebrows about the vineyard’s legitimacy. This revelation becomes pivotal as he gears up for the estate’s likely sale.

Upon returning to London, Sir Nigel, the firm’s chairman, offers him a choice: accept a generous payout or join the partnership. However, Max remains unmoved by this proposition and feels an emotional pull towards Fanny’s restaurant, where he comes across a replica of Vincent van Gogh’s Road with Cypress and Star, a painting significant to both him and Fanny.

Sir Nigel’s derisive remark about the original being stored away as merely a prop drives Max to reevaluate his aspirations and values. In a bold act, he invalidates the estate sale by presenting a forged farewell letter, complemented by genuine photographs confirming Christie’s lineage as Henry’s daughter, claiming her stake in the estate.

Equipped with this newfound knowledge, Max lists his London home for sale and makes his way back to Provence, ready to rekindle his romantic connection with Fanny. As they share cherished memories from their childhood together, Christie also makes a return, leading to a unique partnership as she and Francis work together at the vineyard, striving to blend their contrasting philosophies on winemaking. This collaboration allows Max to focus wholly on his blossoming relationship with Fanny amid the stunning landscapes of Provence.