VINTAGE CONDITIONS
Eagerly-awaited rain fell abundantly as soon as the 2022 harvest was over. Total rainfall over late autumn and winter was 350 mm, 30% more than the previous year. As a result, the soil’s water resources were fully topped up during the relatively mild spell. From mid-January, temperatures cooled significantly until the end of February. This cold weather energised the vines’ reserves and led to a good budburst. Dry weather set in and there was a frosty period on 4th and 5th April. A few plots required frost protection, but overall the late budburst and early frost had little impact on harvest potential, with the exception of a few plots on lower-lying slopes (30% loss). The rather dry and warm spring was conducive to good vine development, and the bunches started to emerge well. Weather conditions were ideal for flowering, confirming the potential for a very generous harvest. However, a rainy July combined with high temperatures encouraged the onset of severe mildew. With a great deal of forethought and attention to detail, the attack was kept in check, but still caused a 25% to 50% loss in certain plots. The bulk of the crop was nonetheless saved compared to elsewhere in the Bordeaux vineyards, where losses were total in places. The mildew attack was brought under control with the onset of dry, warm weather.
