Nose
The nose opens on fresh leather notes, then goes on to develop aromas of roasted coffee, black cherry, humus and oriental spices.
Palate
From the attack, the full and richly smooth palate highlights mature and supple, very well-integrated tannins. The spherical structure is supported by an assertive freshness which magnifies the great maturity of the tannins.
A beautifully balanced wine in a less classic vintage, it culminates in an utterly elegant finish.
Growing Conditions
The vegetation cycle started very early following a mild, warm winter. Budbreak took place between 7 and 17 March depending on the variety. Changeable weather in the spring – cold weather in March and April followed by high temperatures in May – caused early but slow flowering.
Mid-flowering was observed on 21 May for the Merlot and Cabernet Franc and on 26 May for the Cabernet Sauvignon. June and July were dry; August remained dry and very hot, with several days of heatwave conditions. Veraison, like flowering, took place early but slowly; mid-veraison was observed between 3 and 11 August depending on the variety.
A long veraison period means that the grapes mature unevenly, so that bunches where veraison is too irregular must be eliminated. That having been done, the potential of the crop was exceptional. The grapes were in perfect condition, very ripe and deeply coloured. Fine weather in September meant that the harvest could take place under ideal conditions as regards both the maturity of the grapes and picking.
Harvest
18 September to 10 October
Appearance
A deep, dark red, the colour has evolved as one would expect.
