Château Odilon

2016 was a year of contrasts for Château Odilon, with extreme weather conditions (a rainy winter and spring, followed by a dry summer), an unusually high threat of fungal diseases and, above all, a superb, unexpected Indian summer that enabled the grapes to reach an exceptional degree of ripeness, ideal for the production of a Grand Vin. January and February 2016 were mild but particularly rainy. Temperatures remained substantially above average with a few sporadic frosts. The wet, cold conditions resulted in slower growth of the vines. While the weather in May made it difficult to control the threat of disease, and to carry out green harvests, it enabled the vines to catch up in terms of growth. The summer was very dry, but fortunately temperatures did not become excessive. The clay-rich soil had become saturated with water at the end of the spring, helping the vineyard to cope with the very dry summer, and proving it to be a valuable factor in 2016’s success. After a rainy spell in September, a beautiful Indian summer during the harvest period enabled the red grapes to reach optimal phenolic maturity, making 2016 an exceptional vintage in terms of quality.