1989 VINTAGE

A truly exceptional vintage, with great ageing potential.

WEATHER DURING THE GROWING SEASON

A rainy spring followed a drought period that had lasted since the previous summer. Early bud burst brought about flowering in late May, a fortnight earlier than usual. The very warm, dry summer was marked by a surprisingly violent hailstorm on July 6th. The grapes ripened in early September and contained a high level of sugar (14% potential alcohol before botyrtisation).

HARVEST

Botrytis spread very quickly on these overripe grapes and the first wave of picking started on September 27th. Sorting was very meticulous in order to remove any grapes adversely affected by insect pests. Ideal weather was conducive to three more excellent waves of picking, and harvesting finished on October 25th.

THE WINE

Production area: 12, 13 ha Harvest: 5 successive manual selections Fermentation period : 3 to 5 weeks, in barrel, by indigenous yeasts Production: 28 000 bottles Vinification: 100% 2.5 years old wood Duration of maturation: 36 months