2022 : a miraculous vintage that is proving exceptional – English

2022 : a miraculous vintage that is proving exceptional

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After narrowly avoiding new spring frosts in early April (5-7) and experiencing a very dry May, June saw pleasing rainfall (110mm), which was fortunate given the hotter and drier weather that followed.

 

After narrowly avoiding new spring frosts in early April (5-7) and experiencing a very dry May, June saw pleasing rainfall (110mm), which was fortunate given the hotter and drier weather that followed.

There was not a drop of water from the end of June until 14 August, an eternity for our vines, but the strength of our fantastic terroir shone through once again. Beneath its well-draining gravel soils, the roots of our suitably developed vines were able to find the water they needed in our deep clay, a vital factor in withstanding the heat and this never-ending summer drought.

The head start built up during the spring was reduced during this stressful period for the plants. Fortunately, rainfall in mid-August allowed our grapes to begin ripening again.

From 25 August onwards, we were able to start picking our white grapes, and unusually we harvested the Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon at the same time.

Based on initial observations when pressing our white grapes, the yields look to be low but with promising juice.

The Merlot was harvested early but at the desired level of ripeness in beaming sunshine between 13 and 16 September, whilst our Cabernet Sauvignon was able to ripen until 26 September. As you can see, harvests were early but enjoyable thanks to the pleasant conditions and the remarkable health of the grapes. The same applied to our Cabernet Sauvignon as to our Sauvignon Blanc, with the fruit looking more like blackcurrants than grapes in size.

We will see a truly wonderful vintage slowly taking shape during the maturation process, but as you will have realised, with volumes down by a third.

2022 will remain a miraculous vintage given the numerous major climate issues, but ultimately, this vintage will doubtless be counted as one of the greats.

 

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