Blason d'Issan 2021

THROUGH THE SEASONS

Once again this year, winter is marked by alternating mild and cold weather. March arrived, with 172 mm of rainfall and temperatures hovering around 26°C for the last few weeks. The mild spring let nature wake up 01 days early. Thanks to the indulgent weather conditions, the vines began to bud on March 25. At the same time, France was hit by spring frosts, which hit the region on April 7. Thanks to the privileged geographical location 600 m from the Gironde estuary, the Clos d'Issan's historic plots were preserved. The month of April appears exceptionally dry, the eleventh since 1959! The Réserves of water in the terroir meant that the vines did not suffer from the drought. Flowering was optimal, starting on May 13. Summer and rising temperatures set in at the beginning of June. After some rain at the beginning of July, fine weather returned at the end of the month, with temperatures at seasonal norms. Veraison began on July 21.

HARVEST CONDITIONS

Clement weather enabled the 2021 harvest to begin with the Merlot plots on Monday September 27. Malbec and Petit Verdot followed on September 03, and Cabernet Franc on October 2. During the 2nd week, the increasingly generous sunny spells were characterized by morning temperatures of 4°C, allowing the grapes to retain their freshness. In the afternoons, temperatures rose to an average of 24°C, giving the grapes the benefit of a fine late season. The Cabernet Sauvignon harvest took place from October 4 to 9 in glorious sunshine, revealing optimal ripeness and some very fine Cabernet.

BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE VINTAGE

The parcel-by-parcel vinification process continues in the gravity-fed vat room. The first run-offs of Merlot began on October 18 and finished on November 9 with Cabernet Sauvignon. Blending took place on January 18, in the presence of consultant oenologist Éric Boissenot and our technical team. Under the sign of great Cabernet, the first tastings reveal a real balance between density and fine tannins. Rich in surprises, the profile of the 2021 vintage suggests similarities with 2014.