Spring was a time of contrasts, alternating between periods of great mildness and coolness (early March, first half of April, then mid-May), which led to later budburst and enabled most plots to escape the frosts of early April. But this spring also saw the start of the heavy "mildew pressure" experienced for most of the campaign. Flowering took place over a relatively dry, warm period (last week of May and first week of June) in just a few days, with no coulure and no significant differences between the different grape varieties. Early summer weather conditions favored berry growth, with June offering 26 days of maximum temperatures above 25°C; but also 8 days of heavy rain, with almost weekly thunderstorms bringing up to 45mm of water. Each of these rains washed away the treatments carried out, and once again the higher night-time temperatures, high humidity and greater vigour created the perfect breeding ground for mildew. Véraison began in the last week of July, lasting almost a month. At the end of July, ripening progressed slowly, while mildew continued to carry off leaves and bunches in its repeated attacks. At the end of August, after a month that was warmer (+1.5°C) and drier (-40%) than the norm, the prospect of a vintage "not so bad if September is good" became apparent. At the end of September, after an exceptionally fine and warm month (+4.6°C!), two fine showers (34.7mm on the 12th and 23.9mm on the 21st) came just in time to boost ripening and save the grapes that had escaped mildew.
2023 is thus a fine vintage, even if it was largely impacted by mildew.  The campaign is very similar to that of 2018, with comparable climatic situations... The 2023 vintage is phenolically rich, well-balanced and has great qualitative potential. It will be a vintage for laying down, with a solid constitution. Will you find the fresh, minty finish of 2018?