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Clos du Chêne Vert 2003
Clos du Chêne Vert (Chinon red wine) |
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Description
The structure is impressive. Early harvests helped to preserve the indispensable freshness, although such strength was indeed a first for Chêne Vert !
Notes of toasted bread are perceptible, over delightful overripe fruit.
We have to wait awhile to experience the very complex character of this wine.
Dated
April 20, 2004
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Tasting notes
Bottled at the end of January 2005, son fruit est de nouveau en place.
Thick, round and fleshy, the true mark of the vintage.
Great maturity, with stewed fruit, mûres, prunes and raisins.
Although this vintage is delightful now, it's a shame not to wait a further 4 to 5 years when the aromatic complexity would be unequalled.
Dated
September 16, 2006
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Tasting advice
Wait 2008-2009 before tasting.
Will keep until 2014-2019, and even more, perhaps. |
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Comment on the vintage and the
2003 harvest
“Heat wave, heat wave…”: it’s impossible to imagine just how many times these two little words were uttered throughout 2003! In fact, Touraine experienced what was truly uncommonly intense heat, although with no excessive dryness: occasional rainfall maintained the moisture level, keeping the grapes and vines healthy and happy.
Harvesting for the Cabernet Franc began on September 18, two weeks earlier than it usually does, finishing on October 3, the date it customarily begins.
We experienced the type of harvesting we always hope for (but rarely obtain…): practically no sorting was needed, all bunches ripe for the picking, with unheard-of sugar levels! The average of Cabernet Franc yield is 42 hectolitres/hectare (hl/ha) – or 1,700 litres per acre.
As for the Clos de la Plante Martin Chenin Blanc grapes, harvesting included two sortings, one on October 3, the other on October 27. Here again, sugar levels were impressive, with around 18° potential alcohol, for a yield close to 25 hl/ha. |
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