Growing season weather conditions
This 2020 vintage promises to be another excellent viticulturist vintage. The budburst was rather early at the end of March following a mild and rainy winter and a wet spring. Only November was colder than the ten-year average. The development of the vines continued rapidly: the first flowers were observed at the beginning of May. After an early flowering in June, veraison / changing of color took place at the beginning of July. The summer heat combined with a small harvest led to a very rapid ripening, accentuated by a high concentration. Fortunately, the climate allowed the acidity of the fruit to be preserved, giving it a nice freshness. The sugars were not excessive. This bodes well for the taste balance. The first harvest began on 14 September, a week earlier than in previous vintages. Despite the low yield, the quality of the harvest is very homogeneous and the sanitary state is perfect.
The cellarmaster’s view
We harvested some very nice grapes, as the particularly favourable weather allowed us to reach the optimum level of ripeness for each plot. The temperatures during the harvest were high and we cooled the grapes to allow for a 6 day cold maceration. The vinification took place in good conditions with alternating pumping over, punching down and delestage, the vintage required a very gentle extraction. Post-fermentation maceration brings fatness and volume to the already harmonious wines.
The facts
- Harvest dates 2020 : Merlot from 15th till 23rd of September
Cabernet Sauvignon from 28th of September till October 1st
Petit Verdot on the 25th of September
- Blend : 30% Merlot, 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot
- Ageing : 100% in French oak barrels of 4 suppliers : 30% new oak , 70% second fill
- Alcohol potential (%VOL) : 13%
- pH : 3,6
- Barrel ageing time: 10 months