Chêne Bleu 2013 - Harvest Report

Harvest

As you said/guessed, we harvested 26% less than last year, a good result compared to others who lost 80% of their crop.

The weather was good, with only one half-day of rain. Otherwise it was sunny and fresh/crisp overall.

In terms  of Quality

Rose: Very strong/aromatic juice, and a lovely freshness/crispness which creates a notable acidity. The Grenaches grapes are strongly affected by [the nearby fruit?] In perspective/potentially a beautiful rose.

Whites: Aliot is fine, fruity and rounded. After some work in [les barriques – barrels?] it’s going to be very special/exquisite/gourmet. Viognier is already very promising: elegant aromas, lively and intense. Also beautiful potential [d’elevage?] for the future?

Briefly: The Rose and the Whites are going to make a killing.

Reds: The syrah is very colourful, the nose is rich but the taste is a little too acidic for me. There will be a little work to do/ une petite correction a faire.  However, when mixed with the Grenache it’s fine. Consequently, I don’t have any worries about Heloise.

The Grenaches grapes are incredibly/supremely elegant and rich: this year will be problematic in terms of not having enough grenache [du manque de Grenache] for many; for us that’s not the case at all. We have enough in terms of volume and good quality. Abelard will be great.

Astralabe: We will have a pretty, fruity wine, spicy and round in the mouth.

All in all, I would say that the vintage, without being fabulous, will nevertheless be a good success.