Weather conditions
After a generally mild and dry winter, punctuated by a few cold spells, the first leaves appeared on the vines on the 29th of March, which falls in line with the past ten years. A homogenous budbreak augured favorably for a promising harvest.
In April and May, stormy instability combined with above average seasonal temperatures increased the mildew pressure. However, thanks to the exemplary rapid response of our vineyard teams, these attacks were adeptly countered, saving our entire crop.
Flowering started early on the 23rd of May, with large quantities of pollen suggesting a harvest of remarkable amplitude.
The summer was unpredictable, with episodes in June of intense storms and high temperatures that were 3°C above the seasonal average. July was relatively cool, with light but frequent rainfall. The vines maintained their lead and véraison got under way, with the first couloured berries appearing on the 17th of July.
Ripening and harvest
Green harvesting and meticulous grooming significantly reduced yields to foster ripening and uniformity of the crop.
August got off to a fairly cool start before tipping over to an intense heatwave from the 16th to the 24th, followed by a sudden drop in temperature. Hours of sunshine were below expectations, departing from the sunny character of recent vintages. In September, a heat wave struck again until the 11th, giving way to light rainfall, which encouraged full ripening.
The harvest took place under summer conditions from the 7th to the 29th of September: almost three weeks of carefully observing each parcel, tasting the berries daily and occasionally interrupting picking to ensure optimum quality.
Winemaking
In the cellar, there was minimal intervention, with a gently controlled maceration and extraction interspersed with light pump-overs to preserve the quality and elegance of the tannins.
First impressions of the 2023 vintage
Despite a hectic scenario, 2023 is a promising vintage, with a higher yield than 2022. It demonstrates the ability of our terroirs and our teams to adapt to climatic adversity.
The wine is a bright ruby in color. The nose is distinguished by a delicate fusion of red fruit, enhanced by a crystalline mineral signature, a precious legacy of the limestone terroir of Saint-Émilion. On the palate, the wine has a well-balanced tannic structure. The finish is remarkably complex and unfolds with a rich, lingering resonance.
