2020 vintage

One of the earliest grape harvests on record in the last twenty years besides Vintage 2003.

Winter 2019-2020 was particularly mild; thus, regrowth began mid-March, auguring a particularly early harvest. March, April and May benefitted from some good sun which led to a speedy bud break. In just a week, we went from the buds bursting open to 4 or 5 leaves on the shoots. We had a bit of precipitation in the winter but a shortage of water starting in March.

The pressure of disease was weak this year and the risk of powdery mildew well under control.

The first samples reflected great heterogeneity between the plots. Sugar maturity seemed to be excellent for 12.6 to 12.8% potential alcohol. The plots from the lower village lands with sandy soil or free of thick soil and the young vines showed signs of marked dryness with a loss of leaves on the bottom as well as certain signs of wilting leaves and some blocked ripening. Berry concentration was observed with low juice levels. The skins were thick and rich in phenolic compounds.

However, we noticed higher acidity levels than in 2003; therefore, a lovely structure in tartaric acid yet with end-of-malolactic fermentation pH.

Much needed rain arrived on 21st and 28th August with 15 mm and 10 mm, respectively. This made it possible to loosen the grape skins. The phenolic maturity of the tannins seemed to be correct and we decided to begin harvesting on Saturday, 29th August.

This sunny vintage will require all our attention, gently working on the extraction and managing fermentation temperatures. The last few days of August have brought back the typical seasonal temperatures, allowing for a harvest in good conditions.