The 1997 vintage in the Côte d'Or

Features of the climate

The particularly hot weather from the end of July until the end of August (temperatures were above 30°C daytime and rarely below 20°C night-time) favoured the " véraison " (changing of the colour of the grape berries) and the maturation of the grapes. No storm altered this evolution. Rain levels were a lot inferior to average (25 mm in July and 2 mm in August in Beaune). The showers which fell at the beginning of September were most welcome as some vineyards were starting to show signs of drought.

The harvest

On the eve of harvesting, the sanitary state on our domaine was very satisfactory. The legal authorisation to pick the grapes was given on September 11th, which makes of this vintage the earliest one since 1976.

Our House began harvesting on September 15th under very good weather conditions. The North wind which blew at the beginning of harvesting ensured the concentration of natural sugar and maintained the acidity level. Then a few days later the nice sunny weather enabled to harvest the grapes in perfect sanitary conditions.

On the whole, the harvest volume was slightly below 1996 for the pinots noirs of the Côte de Beaune and much below that of 1996 for the pinots noirs of the Côte de Nuits. As for the chardonnay, the high number of " millerands " berries (smaller sized berries with very concentrated juice) provided a slightly smaller production.

Vinification

The reds
The pinots noirs, which were very healthy showed very high natural degrees. These grapes were very hot at the arrival at our wine-making facilities, so it was absolutely paramount to cool them down as soon as they were put into the vats in order to avoid a too fast start of the alcoholic fermentation. We maintained low temperatures during a few days in order to help the development of the aromatic potential of our red wines. A constant control of the temperatures was necessary and it is thanks to our technical equipment and the know-how and competence of our oenologists that we managed to make the best of this exceptional matter.

The whites
The chardonnay grapes were also very healthy, with high natural degrees and very good level of acidity. All our village, premier cru and grand cru appellations were poured in oak barrels for the fermentation.

The wines at the moment

Our red crus are unveiling perfumes of fruit (red fruit - raspberry - candied fruit), light animal notes (leather) and sweet spices. These wines are very well balanced, with present but melted tannins. Though they are already pleasant, they are also showing excellent potential. 1997 is certainly a unique vintage in red with a perfect expression of the pinot noir grape variety.

The whites are developing flavours of honey and dry fruit, sometimes married with light mineral hints. They are showing a good balance and a good length. They are very flattering and can be enjoyed from now on.

November 2003