2018

Grape harvest still in summer

After a very rainy first half of June, the second half of the month saw the return of high pressure, allowing us to resume working the soil in good conditions. SIMON spared no effort, putting in long hours on the tractor with the inter-vine cultivator and trimmer. We finished debudding in early June, two weeks ahead of schedule.

In mid-July, we avoided the hailstorms that hit the Côte de Nuits. The lack of water was noticeable, and veraison was very slow in Santenay and Chassagne Montrachet. It was more consistent in the Aloxe Corton area, which received more rain. There was considerable variation in ripeness. It is therefore difficult to predict a precise harvest date.

From mid-August onwards, the heatwave and its oppressive temperatures are finally behind us! After a first week of record-breaking heat, the second week brought temperatures back to normal for the season. Despite the drop in temperatures, the lack of water continued to be felt and the symptoms of drought progressed in some plots. There is no need to wait any longer: the harvest will begin on August 29.

Once again this year, our team is mainly made up of Polish workers who come specifically to Burgundy for the grape harvest. Following the departure of a few members, our team is smaller than last year, with 25 pickers instead of 30. We will be harvesting for 12 days instead of 10, under bright sunshine, except for Thursday, September 6, when we left the vineyard during a violent thunderstorm! The last day of harvesting will be September 9.

Tasting notes red

In red, yields are lower, but the quality is absolutely remarkable.

At the end of February, our technical team tasted the 2018 harvest. Here are their conclusions for the wines selected for PRIMEUR (In Burgundy, a "Primeur" wine refers to wines offered for sale while still aging in the cellar, prior to bottling and release. This system allows wine lovers to secure specific cuvées in advance, often at preferential pricing.).

Santenay Cornières : Bright color. Complex, spicy nose. The palate is smooth with a lingering finish that needs aging.

Santenay 1er cru Gravières : Floral and brioche nose. Solid and structured on the palate.

Chassagne 1er cru Morgeot : The color is deep black. The nose reveals notes of grape spirit. The palate is smooth and full-bodied, with a lingering finish.

Aloxe-Corton : Pleasant, well-integrated oak. The palate is elegant and refined, with a powerful yet delicate finish.

Tasting notes white

The white wines are truly exceptional, both in terms of quantity and quality.