An elegant vintage

climate

The 2011 vintage was marked by an exceptionally hot spring and by a significant lack of water (25% less precipitation than normal). These climatic conditions meant that on 26 April 2011, the vineyard was 15 to 20 days ahead of 2010, making it the earliest vintage for fifteen years.

harvest

The budding was homogeneous, and flowering started 18 to 25 days ahead of 2010. We could see good progress on the vineyard, particularly in the Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault varieties (the number of bunches was above the average for 1986-2010). All the conditions were met for a very early vintage and this without counting on an exceptionally fresh and rainy July!! Fortunately, a good late season made it possible to complete this particular vintage, allowing the winemaker to wait for optimal ripeness and work with care and attention.

characteristics

The 2011 red wines possess aromas of black fruit, jams and sweet spices like cinnamon and liquorice. The tannins are elegant and silky, and the colours are sustained.

With regard to white and rosé wines, the early harvests made it possible to develop balanced fruity wines with a beautiful aromatic freshness.

comments

"This year was able to produce very high yields thanks to a strong spring and early summer. This year was to the advantage of later grape varieties such as Syrah and especially Mourvèdre."

Josh Raynolds – International Wine Cellar