Varietal mix
42%
Merlot
35%
Cabernet Sauvignon
23%
Cabernet Franc
Harvest
Tasting notes
The wine has a fine, rather vivid red colour with a ruby tint and a very open, complex nose on which fresh fruit (cherry, blackcurrant, redcurrant) and floral aromas (violet, lilac) mingle with denser notes of vanilla, tobacco leaf and cedarwood.
The body builds rapidly from a substantial attack on round, harmonious tannins which unfold over elegant, well-integrated oak, developing a pleasant suggestion of liquorice, menthol and spice on the palate. The long, elegant finish displays highly refined tannins and lingering red fruit flavours.
Weather conditions
Flowering began on 25 May and took place evenly and quickly across the three varieties; it was complete by the beginning of June, some eight days earlier than the average for the last 30 years. The spring and summer were relatively hot, with temperatures consistently higher than the seasonal average.
Mid-veraison was noted three to six days earlier than average. Temperature records at the end of August showed an increase of more than 1° C in comparison with the aggregate average for the last 30 years. Beneficial for the fruit, these conditions also encouraged constant growth of the vines, which were trimmed eight times rather than the customary five or six.
July and August were wetter than normal: 169 mm of rain fell during the two months, compared with an average of 107 mm. Fine weather returned on 20 August enabling the crop to ripen in good conditions. The grapes were of good quality, with high degrees of potential alcohol and a perfect balance between sugar and acidity. Anthocyan levels were high or very high, especially in some Merlot parcels.
Crop thinning and leaf removal were carried out in the entire vineyard. Fine, very sunny days alternated with dull weather during the harvest period, making it possible to harvest a healthy crop of well-coloured and nicely tannic grapes.
Vintages
