Palate
The colors, tannins and fruit accumulated during this exceptional summer became visible during the winemaking process. 1976 is known as the heat wave vintage, with little complexity but exotic notes of oriental spices, cocoa and coffee.
Growing Conditions
An early vintage. In 1976, a warm spring followed by a historically hot summer encouraged early flowering and grape development. The fruit was concentrated with reduced yields. The was looking exceptionally promising, until strong rain in September filled them with water.
1976 was a premature vintage. The winter months were particularly mild. Vegetation began to show on March 25th, in beautifully warm conditions. In May, the weather was very dry and the vines grew quickly, suggesting an early start to the flowering phase. The month of June was similarly dry and hot, like a normal month of July or August. Other crops began to suffer but not the vines, which were magnificent. Full bloom was recorded on June 6th. The véraison continued on in the same vein. July and August were particularly hot with a few salutary thunderstorms. However, the persistent drought predicted a harvest of average abundance. Maturation happened correctly but only on reduced yields. The weather turned on September 9th, bringing rain and a drop in temperatures. Harvesting was moved forward and waterlogged grapes, already ripe and low in acidity, were picked.
