Nose
Astunning bouquet of licorice, truffles, camphor, spring flowers, black raspberries and black currants.
Palate
After the great 2009 and 2010 vintages with their unique balances, 2011 has a classical structure with an alcohol level inferior to 13.5%. However, a frank acidity and a very good concentration of tight tannins guarantee a tremendous capacity to age for this vintage.
One of the superstars of the vintage, this brilliant 2011 possesses superb concentration and purity, medium to full body, and remarkable length of close to a minute.
Growing Conditions
Fifty years. A half-century after the legendary 1961 vintage, this year’s wine stood out for its extremely low yields, the result of hail, and, in June, extreme heat. The concentrated result was both beautiful and unexpected, which should herald excellent aging potential.
The 2011 vintage will remain in our memories as the most precocious of the 2000s. The vegetative year began with an exceptionally warm and dry spring. The first consequence was the vine’s early budding. The first flowers appeared as early as 10th May, almost three weeks ahead of schedule. On 4th June, with the berries already formed, a hailstorm broke over our vineyard and reduced the harvest’s potential yield. The accompanying rain at least allowed the vine to recharge before the start of a new dry spell that would stretch on to 14th July. The young berries, very sensitive at this stage in their development, suffered from the heat wave conditions. Some berries literally withered and fell off the vine. After such an extreme month of June, the rain returned mid-July and the temperatures cooled. The vine recovered. Véraison went smoothly in favorable conditions. At the end of the month of August, the sun came out and was our faithful companion throughout harvest.
Appearance
An opaque blue/purple-color.
