The 1996 vintage in the Côte d'Or

Features of the climate

Exceptional weather conditions during flowering, a good cluster setting together with a very dry month of September have given birth to a generous, good quality 1996 vintage.

The green harvests that were carried out in July (in the Beaune Grèves Vigne de l'Enfant Jésus, Volnay Caillerets, le Corton and Beaune Marconnets to quote only a few)few), the very strict selection of the grapes from the vineyards through to the cuverie have enabled our House to control the yields on our domaine.

The harvest and the vinification

Harvesting began on 18th September. All our grands crus and premiers crus, whether white or red, were picked in tiny, shallow crates in order to avoid the crushing and/or bursting of the berries as our House pays the highest care to the prefermenting phase of the grapes.

The North wind which had blown during the last three weeks of September not only favoured the concentration of the juice in the berries but also provided perfect sanitary conditions and high natural degrees.

When first poured into barrels, our reds showed deep colours and developed perfumes of raspberry, black cherry, blackberry, and blueberry. They had rich, fat tannins which were present but not aggressively marked.

As for the whites, the grapes wholly benefited from exceptionally healthy conditions. The wines showed beautiful natural degrees (up to 13° and beyond) and juice with adequate acidity.

The wines at the moment

Our red wines are developing flavours of stewed fruit and cherries in brandy entwined with light animal notes. In the mouth, they have kept all the freshness of their youth.

Our white wines are unveiling aromas of white fleshed-fruit and hints of honey. In the mouth, they are still expressing some freshness and a well-marked personality. They are very pleasant to drink from now on.

January 2004