The vintage
The early bud burst due to a hot and dry winter was followed by a rather cold and rainy period during flowering which led to incidents such as coulure (flower abortion) and millerandage (poor fertilization with mixed size berries). As from the beginning of June, the yield was expected to be low.
The rather cool months of July and August were unexceptional as was the weather since the beginning of the year. However, this did not halt the ripening and veraison of the grapes. The weather was excellent when the harvest neared; September was superb, sunny and dry with a north-east wind which accelerated the ripening process.
A radiant sun shone throughout the harvests, which allowed the grapes to reach full maturity calmly. The Merlots were picked between 26 September and 1 October, followed by the superb Cabernet Francs, then the Cabernet Sauvignons until 8 October and to end with the Petit Verdots.
The grapes that had been affected by the millerandage were picked separately. For all the vines that had been more or less affected by the coulure and the millerandage, the final yields were relatively low (15 to 30% less in general).
The rather cool months of July and August were unexceptional as was the weather since the beginning of the year. However, this did not halt the ripening and veraison of the grapes. The weather was excellent when the harvest neared; September was superb, sunny and dry with a north-east wind which accelerated the ripening process.
A radiant sun shone throughout the harvests, which allowed the grapes to reach full maturity calmly. The Merlots were picked between 26 September and 1 October, followed by the superb Cabernet Francs, then the Cabernet Sauvignons until 8 October and to end with the Petit Verdots.
The grapes that had been affected by the millerandage were picked separately. For all the vines that had been more or less affected by the coulure and the millerandage, the final yields were relatively low (15 to 30% less in general).
Varietals
Cabernet sauvignon : 87%
Merlot : 9,50%
Cabernet franc : 3,50%
Merlot : 9,50%
Cabernet franc : 3,50%
Tasting
During the ‘en primeur’ tasting, this vintage illustrated density and full-body, with firm tannins and texture. It is well-balanced with great length.