2002 VINTAGE

2002: Pure and elegant, with a velvety texture. A vintage in two parts, a little like 1998.

WEATHER DURING THE GROWING SEASON

The year was marked by both cool and drought-like conditions. Bud break occurred in late March on the heels of a mild, dry winter. April was cool while May blew hot and cold. Flowering took place throughout June, paving the way for uneven ripening. The summer was dull due to a lack of sunshine, with véraison (colour change) not beginning until early August. Hot weather and storms in early September triggered the development of noble rot.

HARVEST

The first pass took place from the 16th to the 20th of September. Then, the wind quickly turned to the east and the development of Botrytis cinerea slowed down. The second pass involved picking berry by berry while waiting for the remaining grapes to finish ripening. Rain arrived on the 9th of October and lasted 10 days. Noble rot settled on the latest-ripening grapes, and a third pass took place on the 19th and the 20th. The final pass came to an end on the 1st of November under radiant sunshine. Grapes picked in September were pure, elegant and very aromatic with astonishing freshness. Those harvested during the last ten days of October contributed richness and complexity. This wine is very similar in style to the 1998 vintage. Finding the right blend called for patience, but the result is particularly delicious.

THE WINE

Area under vine: 14.76 ha Harvest: By hand, in 4 passes Duration of fermentation: 3 to 5 weeks, in oak barrels with indigenous yeast Production: 20,000 bottles Fermentation: 100% in oak barrels previously used for one or two vintages Duration of barrel ageing: 30 months