The vintage
Winter, with its 500 mm of rainfall, allowed for good replenishment of groundwater reserves. In March, the cold delayed budburst until between April 5 and 19. Spring was rainy, encouraging the onset of mildew. In May, the warmth greatly stimulated vine growth. Flowering took place around May 25 under good conditions. June turned tropical, requiring strict organic protection against downy mildew. The long-awaited veraison began in early August. Two heatwaves followed (from August 15 to 25 and from September 2 to 10), accelerating ripening and bringing beneficial stress. The great terroirs of Lafite — the Plateau, the Carruades, and the Caillava — withstood these late-season heats well. The grapes gained concentration, and ripeness was achieved. Harvest began earlier than expected, on September 7, and concluded on the 29th. Vinification went perfectly. During blending, our great plots came together in harmony to reveal the full energy of this vintage.
Varietals
Cabernet sauvignon : 93%
Merlot : 6%
Petit verdot : 1%
Merlot : 6%
Petit verdot : 1%
Tasting
The nose, already open and filled with fresh fruit dominated by raspberry, is delicately lifted by notes of white pepper. What strikes us beyond the whole palette of red fruits that unfolds after aeration is the warm, Provençal market atmosphere, with spices taking center stage.
The attack is direct, and fine, elegant tannins gently lead us toward a silky finish.
This finish is long, carried by lovely bitters that make the mouth water and entice us to bring the glass back to our lips for another sip. It is at this moment that the full complexity of the wine reveals itself. Our first impressions are enriched by a myriad of nuances we had not immediately perceived, which confer upon this 2023 the complexity, finesse, and elegance of a great Lafite.
The attack is direct, and fine, elegant tannins gently lead us toward a silky finish.
This finish is long, carried by lovely bitters that make the mouth water and entice us to bring the glass back to our lips for another sip. It is at this moment that the full complexity of the wine reveals itself. Our first impressions are enriched by a myriad of nuances we had not immediately perceived, which confer upon this 2023 the complexity, finesse, and elegance of a great Lafite.