Tension and balance

After posing various challenges in the vineyard, among them that of bringing the potential of the harvest to fruition and the threat of mildew, the 2023 vintage offers remarkable balance between tension, elegance, and fine fruit. The vintage actually dates back to 2022, when hot, dry conditions during flowering set the stage for a higher than usual number of clusters for the 2023 vintage.
The new growing cycle began with soils that had been generously replenished with water by winter rainfall, especially during the months of November and January. After homogenous bud break at the end of March, the nearby Gironde Estuary helped temper the estate’s microclimate and protect the hill of Cos from frost in early April. 

A first hot spell on May 27–31 led to early, rapid flowering that was extremely homogenous, thanks to elevated temperatures that also contributed to its quality. This was followed by significant rainfall in June and a precocious threat of mildew that required heightened vigilance in the vineyard. 

Harvest began on September 5 in the Goulée vineyard with white wine varietals whose homogeneity allowed grapes to be collected in a single passage within the same week. Harvest of red wine varietals took place on September 12–29, with a significant time lapse between that of the estate’s noble Merlot and that of its great Cabernet Sauvignon. The earliest to ripen, the former were harvested beginning on September 12 to preserve their fruit and verve. It was only 14 days later that the latter were clipped from the vine, once their tannins and seeds had reached optimal maturity. 

Although it would be premature to characterize the 2023 vintage with any certainty, its remarkable fruit and tension promise a flavorful, refined wine with outstanding balance.