About the Climate 2009
Annual climate references
Budburst: April 15
Flowering: May 4
Harvest: September 10
Weather
With the exception of January, 2009 was a hot year. The rest of the year had higher-than-normal average monthly temperatures. As for rainfall, the months of June and July saw heavily excessive average monthly precipitation compared with normal departmental values, while August was very dry. The year was partly sunny, except in July.
Vegetative cycle
Budburst was rapid, with dates close to those of 2005. Flowering occurred during two periods:
-A first, rapid spell with dates similar to those of 2003.
-A second spell, delayed by a drop in temperatures.
In short, after quick flowering and an excellent burst of inflorescence, the year looked promising.
The weather in the spring and early summer was, as in these last years, an obstacle to the peace of mind of the vinegrower, who had to follow phytosanitary risks very closely. The grapes were well formed and shiny, with all the right factors in place for an excellent vintage.
July's repeated and substantial rainstorms bloated the grape bunches, giving rise to concern over the development of Botrytis. Fortunately, the hot dry weather in August and September put a stop to this and concentrated the structure of the grape bunches. This favourable weather produced early véraison and excellent ripening.
The harvest began on September 10, as planned. It was both abundant and of excellent quality; natural degrees were more than satisfactory. It was green light for the birth of an exceptional vintage. As every year, vinification required special attention so as to find the right compromise between structure and finesse.
Vinification is never simple, and even with a ripe, healthy harvest, surveillance of the cuvées - and their tasting - must be carried out on a permanent basis. The 2009 harvest was no the exception. Despite occasional low acidity and sugars that were a bit temperamental in finishing their work at the end of alcoholic fermentation, the wines we have in cask today seem to indicate a magnificent vintage. Obviously, it's much too soon to assert its typicity precisely, but I think it will not suffer compared with its illustrious predecessor in a "9” year (1999).
First Tasting
At first tasting, the fruit is ripe, the tannins fine, and the structure well defined without being too powerful. The acidity is discreet but supports the ensemble.
So there are no particular worries with this vintage; now it just needs to develop favourably during its period of maturing.