Climatology
Winter 2023-2024 is mild and very arRosé. Total rainfall from October 2023 to March 2024 was the highest since 2000. Vine budburst is 10 to 12 days earlier than average. The mild temperatures at the beginning of April and the high soil humidity contributed to a very early and virulent development of mildew, which required constant control until the end of July.
Cooler conditions after mid-April slowed vine development: flowering was not particularly early. Flowering went smoothly, with the exception of a few early plots, which had more millerandage. Summer was slow to set in, but then cumulative rainfall in July and August was well below average: a very qualitative water deficit set in between bunch closure and veraison, favorable to the accumulation and ripening of tannins in the skins and pips.
At the end of August, rainfall returned, slowing down ripening. The drier period from September 12 to 20, on the other hand, brought ripening forward.
Harvest
We harvested the first Merlot plots on September 20, and continued on the 23rd. Humid, cool conditions at this stage enabled rapid ripening of the tannins in the skins.
Sugar accumulation in the berries remains moderate, and acid degradation limited. We finished harvesting on October 9, with late-ripening Cabernet Sauvignons of excellent health.
The average yield on the estate is 41.5 hl/ha.
Tasting
The nose, fine and precise, shows a beautiful richness and brightness of slowly ripened fruit without excessive heat. On the palate, the wine is round and supple, with a lovely aromatic relief.
The ageing is slightly present at this stage, but perfectly respects the finesse and elegance of the already well-melted tannins. The tannins in the grapes took full advantage of the drier conditions of mid-summer.
The alcohol content, just under 13% vol., is moderate, and the wine is well-balanced by its liveliness.
The 2024 vintage reveals itself to be delicate and complex, yet full-bodied, with refined tannins and real aromatic length.
