The weather conditions of the vintage
In April, the vineyard was in a perfect condition of health. The flowering process began early and took place in favorable conditions. The early part of the vine cycle, with its exceptionally hot, dry and sunny weather, helped enhance all of the high quality attributes of the vintage. The veraison started at the end of July. Optimal conditions favored a fast, even process, and by the end of August, the juices were already deep-colored. The crop stood up astonishingly well to the spells of rain that followed, and the health of the vines remained stable. With the arrival of September, the weather alternated between unsettled spells with rain and dry, windy conditions, blowing hot and cold alternately. Sugar levels rose quickly.
The picking of the Merlot began on 28th September and finished on the 30th. The Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested from the 10th to 13th October, while the Petit Verdot was brought in on 5th and 6th October.
The cellar master’s comment
We harvested very high quality grapes thanks to particularly favorable weather conditions which enabled the grapes to reach optimal ripeness in each plot. The vinifications went smoothly and were carried out using alternate pump-overs, punching down of the cap and rack and returns. The post-fermentation maceration brought flesh and volume to wines that already displayed good harmony.
Tasting notes
This 2016 vintage is silky and elegant, with nice ripe fruit and slightly spicy note. The tannins are fine with a nice well-balanced finish.
Harvesting dates 2016 : Merlot : from September 28th to 30th,
Cabernet-Sauvignon : from October 10th to 13th,
Blend : 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon