Vintage
A mild, rainy winter was followed by a warm spring with alternating rain showers and sunshine. Vine shooting accelerated, and the crucial phases of the flowering and fruit set went smoothly. 4 months of exceptional weather then followed enabling a gradual, optimal ripening of the grapes. The early autumn weather was glorious and offered fully ripe grapes that were harvested in a stress-free atmosphere. All the conditions were met for the production of excellent quality grapes and a great vintage.
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 01/10 to 10/10
Aging
80% new oak, 20% one year old barrel for 18 months.
Surface area
37 hectares
Average age of the vines
48 years
Blend
60% merlot, 22% cabernet franc, 18% cabernet sauvignon
Yields
38 hl/ha
Tasting notes
This vintage shows all the characteristics of maturity, freshness and elegance typical of the Pavie plateau. The brilliant purple color is deep and dense, full of promise with the precise blueberry highlights indicative of the vintage. Concentrated fruit aromas of wonderfully bright black currant and blueberry are supported with a good dose of oak.
Initial aromas are juicy and generous, in harmony with spices like licorice; there is toasted oak, too, as well as youthful floral notes typical of the Pavie plateau. The first impression in the mouth is fresh. The mid-palate's tannic presence is accompanied by a certain lively freshness from the well-balanced mouth-watering acidity; the result is a texture and density that is simply remarkable. The oak is well integrated and still dominant, but experience has shown that the wine's fruit will emerge. The finish is smooth, rich and opulent with great length. This is an excellent vintage, inspiring and fresh, which shows a well-managed alliance of ripeness and balance, all supported by careful and attentive aging.
A vintage that will stand the test of time. A great and grand wine! Leave it alone, forget it for another 3 to 5 years before pulling a cork on these bottles. The decades will be good to this wine. Patience!
David Biraud
Meilleur ouvrier de France 2004 Meilleur ouvrier de France 2002
