2008 harvests
In Bordeaux, the growth cycle started early but was quickly interrupted when the new buds suffered from a spring frost. A warm period followed, that meant the crops could attain good maturity. From May, we knew that this would be a small vintage in terms of quantity, particularly with the white wines. In Sauternes, the weather conditions were good for the development of botrytis, and the first passes through the vineyard began on September 26 at Rieussec and continued, slowly and surely, until November 10. We waited patiently until the beginning of October before starting to take in the reds.
This was a year when you had to be both vigilant and patient, but by the end of the maceration period, we were very happy with the expression that we found both of tannins and fruit, all underpinned by a refreshing acidity. Everything is in place for wines with real ageing potential.At Aussières in the Languedoc, the year was dry. The growth cycle began slowly and delicately due to lack of water, but after that an excellent bout of rain at the end of May saved the crop. Thanks to temperate weather conditions, the grapes reached full maturity and we were again able to wait to harvest late in the year. The early suggestions are that this is going to be also an excellent vintage.
