Vintages

Weather conditions

Another year when contrasting weather announces a great vintage :

2019 began with a drier winter and a cooler spring than recent years. More importantly, we had a real summer which was hot and particularly dry. There were a few days of extremely high temperatures at the end of July, reaching a peak of 41°C. Some welcome light showers quenched the thirst of our vine plants and reminded us that the Aquitaine vineyards benefit from a temperate climate thanks to the proximity of the ocean.

As harvest-time approached, we feared a drought that could have disturbed the balance in our wines. Luckily the September rainfall (especially the 11mm of 10th and 23mm of 22nd) prevented any hindering of the maturation process. This boosted the vines’ energy, maintaining a reasonable level of alcohol, ensuring elegance in the tannic structure and allowing us to achieve the balance and harmony offered by the best Bordeaux wines.

Some plots of younger vines, whose lesser developed root system meant they were less resistant to drought, were harvested from 16th September. We went on to harvest the main Merlot plots during the last week of September. The picking finished on 3rd and 4th October with the Cabernet Francs. The harvest took place in slightly damp weather conditions but there were no signs of botrytis. The grapes were healthy with thick skins and ripe pips.

The vinification of these quality grapes was to reveal an aromatic wine boasting an intense colour. The round, supple palate offered a promising cocktail of ripe fruit, excellent tension and a pleasant freshness that is the mark of the greater vintages