Nose
The expression is quite mineral initially. The fruit becomes more apparent on the second nose to bring out notes of very ripe red fruit, such as black cherry and bilberry.
Palate
The attack quickly comes into its own with a well-defined, integrated and persistent structure. The tannins are precise and linger, and the very long finish is fresh.
Growing Conditions
2017 was characterised by a dry early winter followed by a rainy February, a very mild spring, a frosty period on 27th and 28th April and a warm, dry summer. Our estates were protected from the frost on the whole. Only a few plots were affected, representing 15% of the total surface area.
Bud break, which started between 25th to 30th March, was steady and consistent. The first flowers could be seen in mid-May on the earliest plots. Early ripening, observed at the end of July, was remarkably consistent.
The moderate summer temperatures limited the risk of water stress and preserved acidity. Finally, fairly dry weather in August helped the grapes to mature.
Cool, damp conditions in the first two weeks of September changed the year's character. The skins started to develop faster, requiring vigilance in monitoring progress of maturity. Close observation of the plots was key to determining the 2017 harvest date.
The earliest plots of Merlot reached maturity, with good phenolic ripeness, in mid-September. The Cabernet-Sauvignon were close to the Merlot and could be harvested immediately afterwards without risk.
Harvest
The Merlot vines were harvested on 13th and 14th September, the Cabernet Franc on 21st September, the Cabernet-Sauvignon and the Petit Verdot on 25th September.
Aging
70% from barrels of one vintage, 30% in new barrels for 12 months
Appearance
Les Tourelles de Longueville 2017 is a beautiful, deep ruby red in colour.
