The vintages
Patience required
climate
Snow in November and lunch on the balcony in February - what a contrast! The winter drought was balanced out by heavy rains in April.
harvest
Flowering was normal. The freshness of July moderated the maturity and a heatwave in August hastened the pulp ripeness. The time lag between the ripeness of the pulp and skin slowed the harvest but thunderstorms revived this. Those who had the patience to wait harvested healthy grapes with thick skins for a long barrel fermentation period.
characteristics
These red wines had a beautiful purple colour, fruity nuances (blackberries, raspberry jam, cherries) with heathland aromas (thyme, rosemary) all well-blended with fine, melted tannins.