WEATHER CONDITIONS
Despite numerous spring showers, rain in May, June and August, dryness has persisted for 7 years and water table remained low. Spring was quite cool and consequently bud burst, as well as growth, was slowed down. Rainfalls and cool temperatures disturbed the flowering period (a few plots were affected by hail storm late May) and caused some “coulure” on a few old Merlot plots. The “véraison” started late and progressed very slowly due to cooler temperatures. Mildiou and cochylis (vers de la grappe) threats increased. From a technical point, a more difficult vintage which one could only try to save by being constantly present and very precise in any treatment. Patience and perseverance were rewarded when the ideal conditions came back mid-September. Terroir and vineyard work make the difference in such a difficult year. The hard work of our vineyard team, particularly attentive during the growing seasons, taking care of every plot, allowed us to obtain, contrary to all expectations, a crop of high quality and good concentration.

PICKING
Handpicking with crates. Sunny weather throughout the harvest.
Since the 2004 vintage, the introduction of a new harvest reception, with double sorting tables, has enabled us to take even greater care of the selection and handling of the grapes.
Merlot October 2nd (young vines) – from October 3rd to October 9th
Cabernet Franc October 8th
Petit Verdot October 10th
Cabernet Sauvignon from October 11th to October 21st

VINIFICATION
• Alcoholic fermentation: lasted 8 days in temperature control stainless steel vats
Pumping over: 2 to 3 times a day – 2,5 the volume of the vat. Temperature: 27°C
• Maceration
Turbopigeage in the best vats.
Merlot 22/23 days Petit Verdot 20 days
Cabernet Sauvignon 23/24 days Cabernet Franc 22 days
• Malolactic fermentation in vats, a few wines in barrels.
• Ageing: 60 % French new oak barrels for Rauzan-Ségla & 20 % French new oak barrels for Ségla