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Almost back to normal, with no unusual weather episodes. The heatwave at the end of June reduced berry size and yields. The expertise of Châteauneuf-du-Pape's winemakers resulted in an intense, concentrated vintage with remarkable tannins, controlled ripening and excellent balance between structure and richness.
Autumn-winter rainfall (460 mm) kick-started the vegetative period and gave the soils good water reserves. Spring rainfall remained reasonable, and phytosanitary pressure virtually non-existent. Although the risk of downy mildew was eliminated, the cool spring gave rise to fears of coulure (periods of active growth followed by successive slowdowns). Fortunately, this was also spared for the 2019 vintage, which is approaching the end of spring positively. Then came the heatwave at the end of June and the excessively dry, hot summer.
The lack of water reduced the size of the berries, which remained very small. Protected from any phytosanitary risk, and from drying out by healthy, present foliage, the bunches only really closed at the end of Véraison, thanks to a few rare summer rains.
The harvest started early. Early grape varieties had to be harvested before they were too ripe. The very healthy crop produced a fairly low juice yield, albeit slightly higher than in previous years.
The grapes had thick skins, intense colours and excellent aromatic purity. The rains of September 18 slightly increased juice yields and brought the musts back into balance. The Grenache grapes were able to reach phenolic maturity. The result is very well-balanced in intensity, with both richness and tannic structure.
The reds are highly coloured and silky, unctuous and generous. Concentrated, they require long, delicate macerations to master their full character. In their youth, they present aromas of ripe fruit, raspberry, candied ginger and, for the Syrah, mentholated notes. On the palate, the tannic structure is elegant, saline and concentrated. The acidity remains discreet, and if one might have feared a vintage with a slightly too Mediterranean, hot and sunny character, the very fine tannins of this vintage majestically balance out its richness.
The whites are fat, full-bodied and long on the palate, with exotic, peach and citrus notes. On the palate, they are full-bodied and long-lasting. Highly aromatic and fresh, they express the full minerality of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape terroir.
We can already anticipate excellent ageing potential for the 2019 vintage.