Vintage
The 2021 vintage began with a sunny month of March which brought about bud-break in very good conditions. It was during spring time that things got complicated with repeated cold snaps that continued into May. The weather during June and July was no kinder with spells of heavy rain. Summer finally set in with fine, dry weather, high temperatures and cool nights. These two months of more favourable weather conditions enabled the grapes to reach very good ripeness levels. The harvesting was decisive, and thanks to carrying out a stringent selection of the bunches we succeeded in preserving the fruit’s best aromatic potential. Through making precise technical choices, being flexible in our wine-growing practices and our teams’ perseverance, we achieved wines of very fine quality.
Growing methods
Pruning down to 8 buds for the old vines and to 6 buds for the young vines. Thinning, leaf-stripping. Grapes picked and sorted by hand.
Vinification
Temperature controlled wooden vats. Malolactic fermentation in barrels.
Harvest
from 07/10 to 09/10.
Aging
50% new oak et 50% one year old barrels for 18 months.
Surface area
13.5 hectares
Average age of the vines
43 years
Blend
50% merlot, 50% cabernet franc.
Yields
35 hl/ha
Tasting notes
This wine, made with grapes sourced from high quality plots surrounding the superb Pavie plateau, exhibits a dark, rich, dense and concentrated colour. The aromas are precise and lifted by very good intensity. The aromatic palette is still a little restrained.
The influence of the oak ageing is still perceptible. A little more time will be needed for all that to harmonise, but wow, what a vintage!
After some beneficial aeration, the wine offers notes of black cherry jam, smoked chilli peppers and spices, such as liquorice, which come through more intensely as the wine is swirled in the glass.
The ageing period has just finished, and the wine’s texture on the palate is showing both freshness and density.
What superb terroirs this wine was made from!
The 2021 vintage was a tricky one in the vineyards, and so the balance displayed in this wine is particularly satisfying.
Some nice surprises may well lie ahead, as this 2021 ages and develops in bottle.
Commentary by David Biraud
World's Best Sommelier Competition 2016 - Best Craftsman of France Sommelier 2004
