May 31, 2024
The cycle of the vine
After a cold, wet winter, bud break took place on 23rd April.
Growth was fast and uniform. Flowering began on 16th May, making 2023 somewhat early compared to other years. May and June were both relatively dry months. Veraison began for our Merlot plots on 7th July.
An ever-changing forecast
The month that followed was very mixed, with an average temperature of 20.8°C. The second half of the month was cooler, making up for the heat of the beginning of the month. August was more clement, offering slightly higher temperatures than the seasonal average. September continued in the same vein with almost uninterrupted sunshine, marked notably by eight consecutive days of hot, dry weather.
An early harvest
From 18/09 to 22/09: Merlot
26/09: Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
From 25/09 to 02/10: Cabernet Sauvignon
The harvest took place in the sunshine, a little earlier than usual. It was punctuated by a few rain showers on 21st and 22nd September, which played their part in bringing the Cabernet Sauvignons to complete maturity.
An enchanting vintage
Pure aromas with beautifully dense fruit. The 2023 is a vintage that shows great promise.