Our vintages

The climate

The winter of 2020-2021 was more or less normal, with some frost reported and an abundance of rainfall. February was very mild and nature began to wake up from its peaceful slumber. The summer temperatures at the end of March/beginning of April inevitably led to the start of the plant cycle and an explosion in vegetation. Unfortunately, in the mornings of 6, 7 and 8 April, we recorded temperatures of -3 to -5°C. This resulted in devastation with considerable frost and damage throughout the area. The vines took the brunt of the damage and needed some time to recover and resume their growth cycle. The subsequent weeks were dry and cold with a strong north-easterly wind. At the end of May, some decent rainfall made up for the deficit which was starting to become an issue. At the beginning of June the weather shifted to sunny and mild temperatures. All the conditions became conducive to explosive growth. From what the winemakers remember, we have rarely seen such abundant growth in such a short space of time in mid-June. The vines emerged in full force mode.

However, we saw a lot of run-off and millerandage in the harvest. These were caused by abiotic stress, with sudden bouts of climatic change: frost to hot to cold to wet. The summer of 2021 was cool and wet, but fortunately not to excess. By 10 September, the warm weather had set in and the wind from the north kept the vineyard in good health. Harvesting began on 23 September. Average yields were down by 50%. The old vines from the early areas showed losses of up to 70% or even 80%.

Features of the vintage

While the harvest was small, the quality was high. Wines from the 2021 vintage are elegant and sophisticated with a lasting impression. It produced very classic, fresh, vigorous Pinot Noirs. The crunch of the fruit was marvellously juicy and sappy.

The climate

After a very mild winter, the spring brought plenty of rain. March was particularly dry and hot, with temperatures of 23 to 24°C during the day. Damp soil and heat caused a spurt in plant growth, making 2020 the earliest year on record. From 1 to 4 April, bouts of frost caused no significant damage as the air was very dry.

By 27 April, we’d had 15 mm rainfall, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough. At this stage, the plants had grown considerably, comparable to 2007 and 2011. At the beginning of May, we had some downpours, but they amounted to very little. On 11 May, we had a terrific amount of steady rainfall of 27 to 30 mm. It was perfect. This combination of water and heat meant that the vine could continue to develop steadily. Rapid flowering took place during the last ten days of May. Give or take a few days, we were still growing at a similar rate to 2007 and 2011.

At the beginning of June, growth remained under control thanks to the cool nights. The crop load varied greatly from one vine to the next and there was a lot of coulure. By 30 June, the summer temperatures, combined with regular showers gave the vines fresh impetus to grow. In mid-July, veraison was well underway and the drought began to set in.

July 2020 was just as hot and dry as July 1959; a 60-year record! By 10 August, there was a lack of rainfall and heatwave temperatures. Fortunately, the nights were cool, but there was a large amount of dried berries and the foliage was suffering. On 21 August, we enjoyed a good rainfall and the vines began to perk up. Temperatures became milder over the days that followed. Harvesting at the estate began on 3 September. Due to the stress caused by the spring frost and the summer drought, yields were 40% lower than normal. The year 2020 marked the climax of the 2018/2019/2020 trio.

Features of the vintage

Out of this trio of mature vintages, we believe 2020 to be the most perfect. The wines are colourful, full-bodied, fleshy and perfectly centred around juiciness/sappiness that we seek so much. Their balance, the quality of their tannins and the stability of the acidity mean that this vintage has the potential to defy time, while offering spectacular crisp fruit instantly.

The climate

We are pleased to present the 2019 vintage, which has earnt a place in the estate’s category of great ageing wines. The period between October and March was marked by very mild weather and a normal rate of rainfall. The end of winter saw beautiful sunshine, which, together with higher temperatures, helped get the vines off to a strong start, as they have done in recent vintages.
Frosts hit on 5 and 14 April, when the buds were at a very vulnerable stage. Growth stagnated and we feared we’d experience considerable losses again. At the end of April, the growing cycle was well underway, punctuated by mild weather and showers.
The beginning of May saw the return of a cold and wet period, with low temperatures continuing to impact the plants which remained quite pale. At the end of May, weather conditions stabilised and work on the vines proceeded without difficulty.
In June, alternating bouts of intense heat and rainfall evened out the growth. By 14 June, the vines were in full bloom, meaning that the harvest was expected to take place on 20 September. We observed a lot of coulure and millerandage.

At the end of June, we experienced a heatwave, but fortunately we had large reserves of water. All the right ingredients came together to spur the vines on at high speed. In July, the heatwave that hit smashed all records for early growth and volume. The hot, windy conditions gradually exacerbated the drought. By 30 July, after a stifling week, we were fortunate to have some showers, cheering up both the winemakers and the vines!

August was cooler and both the volumes and veraison proceeded unevenly. The cold spring weather and the heatwaves led us to expect a small harvest. The month of September was cool and bright again. We decided to hold out and started the harvest on 18 September.

Features of the vintage

Harvesting the bunches in the right order was essential to ensuring that the grapes were picked at their optimal ripeness. Our fears were confirmed. As a result of the cool spring temperatures and the summer heatwave, the harvest was small. The quality, however, was spectacular. Rarely have we achieved such perfect ripeness while preserving great acidic quality, making 2019 one of the best vintages we have ever produced at the estate. They are deep in colour, and the tannins are superbly integrated, full-bodied on the mouth and silky smooth. The expression is precisely the juicy/sappy wine that we aim to produce at the estate. With its perfect smoothness and great ageing potential, 2019 can defy the test of time, while remaining drinkable at every stage of the ageing period.

The climate

The beginning of winter was very mild with abundant rain between December and January. We received almost two thirds of the annual rainfall during this period, successfully replenishing our water stocks. The frosts in February and March were warmly welcomed and provided good overwintering for our soil.
In mid-April, we experienced summer-like temperatures. Once again, we saw an explosion in plant growth. The cold returned at the end of April, the frost wasn’t far away and the whole region feared it, but damage remained limited.
In mid-May, the warm spell made 2018 one of the earliest years on record, alongside 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2017. At the end of May, flowering was evenly distributed. The harvest was planned for around 4 and 6 September. The month of May was generally very stormy. During this hot and wet period, the vines developed at a steady pace.

Features of the vintage

The 2018 vintage was a feast for the senses, achieving perfect ripeness. The allure of their spiced structure would be appreciated from a young age. The stable acids, fresh sensations, minerality, saltiness and metallic qualities stand them in good stead for ageing.

The climate

Finally, a real winter. Very little rain, but seven days of frost in December and twenty days in January. Perfect for the soil.
March was very warm, the warmest since 1957, with budburst as early as 2011.
Mid-April was cooler with plant growth stalling. In the mornings of 19 and 21 April, we had severe frost. Fortunately, the soil was dry and thanks to the great alliance of winemakers who fought collectively, we saw very little damage.
It was touch and go again on 27 and 28 April. Temperatures remained 10°C below the average for the season. It wasn’t until 9 and 16 May when we finally received some much-welcome rainfall, and on 23 May, the heat returned. By 30 May, plant growth exploded. The vineyard was looking very healthy and we were at the beginning of the flowering season.
By 7 June, we were in full bloom and 2017 was one of the earliest years on record. At the end of June, we experienced heatwaves. Our water reserves came to the rescue, the vines continued to grow at an exponential pace. Fortunately, the storms on 9 and 10 July did not affect our area. Late July and August were too hot and dry overall. The grapes were ripening well, but the skin remained a little tough for us. We decided to wait patiently, with harvesting beginning on 12 September. It paid off, with a great quality harvest and finally we were blessed with our first generous vintage since 2009.

Features of the vintage

The wines are pleasant with the perfect blend of charming and lively. Distinctive and incredibly pure and bright. The hint of tannins are very smooth. This vintage offers all the hallmarks of a good wine for ageing with a charisma making it drinkable at every stage.

The climate

After a very mild winter – the hottest since the beginning of the 20th century – the spring struggled to set in. Then came the drama: frost on 27 and 28 April on an unprecedented scale. The damage varied wildly from one place to another, 30% on average, but total destruction in some vineyards.
The May-June period was a real ongoing struggle with the elements. Downy mildew was lurking, but winegrowers didn’t lose heart. They fought the invasive disease, waging a fierce battle to save the crops, or what little remained. The vines were beautiful and flowering evenly by 20 June, spurred on by the warmer weather. July was a delight, with the plants making up for lost time in summer-like conditions.

August was very hot, scorching. Overall, July and August were 50% drier than usual. The quality of the vintage depends on these climatic contrasts. Some welcome showers on 17 and 18 September saw the grapes continue to ripen evenly. The harvest in our area started around 22 September.

Features of the vintage

The result is spectacular: the wines are full-bodied with great finesse and sophistication. There’s no doubt that 2016 was one of the great vintages, if not the greatest.

The climate

After another very mild winter, plant growth was in line with the average for the previous ten years. In April and May, summer temperatures, cool nights and good rainfall enabled the plants to grow rapidly, without being explosive.

At the end of May/beginning of June, we witnessed the beginning of the flowering season, which happened in record time over just 4 to 5 days. Overall, conditions were too dry, mildew was well-controlled, while we experienced significant powdery mildew pressure.

In mid-June, some welcome showers encouraged the plants to grow fast, making 2015 among the top three earliest years, along with 2011 and 2007. July was very warm and the conditions became sweltering. Unfortunately, the lack of rainfall and the water stress limited veraison progress.

At the end of July, it was a little cooler and the occasional drizzle allowed the vines to breathe a little.

Overall, August was warm, though still a little dry. Sugar levels rose rapidly while the weaker acids decreased.
Fortunately, at the beginning of September, temperatures dropped again. We noticed that the plant cycle had finished, but upon tasting, the grape skins were still acerbic and immature. We needed to wait until the sugar and acid were balanced. Harvesting at the estate began on 10 September. The grapes were wonderful and the quality lived up to expectations. The volume was decent compared to previous vintages, though smaller than the average.

Features of the vintage

The 2015 vintage was one of the great vintages, if not the greatest. The wines were voluptuous, generous and full of charisma, with remarkable energy. The balance was perfect, smooth with terrific expression. Thanks to the quality of the acids, the 2015 vintage offers great ageing potential and is surprisingly discernible as of now.

The climate

The 2013-2014 winter was very mild, with no frost and high rainfall. This worked wonders for replenishing the water table, but considerably compacted the soil surface, making the first spring plough difficult.
Budburst was very early, at the start of April. By 20 April, we were on the verge of a spring frost. Growth slowed and plants developed very unevenly from one area to another.
Flowering took place without issue at the beginning of June, suggesting a harvest in mid-September. At the end of June, despite three months of drought, there was rapid growth. Ploughing had preserved the deep freshness of the soil. At the beginning of July, the weather was cooler with small showers welcomed by the plants. The vines were in wonderful condition. It was a bleak summer overall. The vines remained in good health, but had to contend with weeds. Fortunately, the end of August and beginning of September proved to be quite pleasant. The grapes were ripening well.

Features of the vintage

The estate started harvesting on 18 September. The sugar and acidity balance was very good. The quality of the skins was excellent. I have always observed that, during vintages with strong climatic contrasts, as long as the vines develop in a flourishing environment, they produce incredibly strong grapes. The wines are perfectly smooth. The touch of tannins is voluptuous and the fruit deliciously crisp. They are very bright and very lively. They are definitely a great vintage for ageing, and even drunk young they will impress the more impatient among us.

The climate

After a mild and wet winter, 2013 turned out to be a late vintage. By 25 April, with temperatures 10°C above normal, the growing cycle was well underway.

Early May was incredibly cold, with abundant rainfall and temperatures 15°C lower than the season average. Filage was immediately obvious. On 24 May, we were on the brink of disaster with morning temperatures between 0 and 1°C.

At the beginning of June, the warm weather had set in, helped by a steady north-easterly wind. From a pest and disease perspective, the cold weather definitely helped us through. By 20 June, the weather was hot – too hot. It was the beginning of the flowering season, but thunderstorms were brewing.

By 2 July, the climate stabilised. We escaped the storms, but flowering was very uneven. In July and the beginning of August, the weather was beautifully summery with growth advancing rapidly. Despite this, we were still behind schedule. By 25 August, we were in the full throes of veraison. It was warm, but the nights were fresh.

The beginning of September was cool and rainy again. It wasn’t until mid-September when the weather became more stable, often very warm with a light wind from the north-east.

As you can tell, it was a very difficult growing season. And yet, although the grapes were ready late – at the end of September – they were perfectly ripe. Obviously, the sugar content wasn’t the best we’ve seen, but the skins were superb and the seeds already ripe. We needed to wait.
We started the harvest on 5 October. Immediately and intuitively, I compared the 2013 vintage to that of 1978. Thanks to my aunt Jacqueline Jayer’s clear daily notes, I noticed two great similarities between these two vintages. The harvest date, which was late in both cases (8 October in 1978), but most of above all, the presence of very few seeds, sometimes just one and smaller in normal sized grapes. The vine has two main missions: to ripen its seeds in order to give life to a new seedling, and to replenish its starch reserves so it can last the winter and ensure its own survival.

Features of the vintage

As there were very few seeds, the vine was able to channel its energy very quickly to the skins and to increase its quality potential, which allowed me to produce an incredible result with this vintage. The wines are dense and profound, with a deep, vibrant colour. The right balance between fleshy and lively. I adore this vintage, which I’m sure, as with the 1978 one, will be both rich and fresh at some periods of its life.

The climate

The 2012 season was characterised by unpredictable and unnerving weather during the entire growing season: spring frost, difficult flowering, blight, mildew and then powdery mildew at the end of the season. With forty per cent more rain than average, erstwhile winemakers remembered this to be the harshest and most stressful of all.

From mid-April to mid-July, we had half the annual rainfall in three months and twenty-five bouts of contamination. The vines were resilient, but as I don’t weed, we had to contend with the weeds. Full flowering occurred by 12 June and I noticed a great disparity between the areas. From mid-July, the weather improved almost miraculously, and the tug of war between the elements had lasted three months. I noticed a lot of coulure and millerandage. At this stage, this was to be expected, and for the third consecutive year, we had a small harvest.

The battle was definitely won in mid-August when the good weather returned with a northerly wind.
At the beginning of September, when monitoring the ripening we noticed to no surprise, that the sugars had developed and acidity levels had reduced, with a good concentration.

The parcels that were behind developed more quickly. The estate harvest started on 20 September in perfect conditions: northerly wind, bright and fresh. On the sorting table, we were glad to see that the output was very healthy and of high quality. Small in volume, but stunning.

Features of the vintage

The 2012 wines are superb, undoubtedly in line with the great vintages or even the greatest. The balance between richness and precision is striking. Even by Burgundy’s standards, the quality is incredible. As you know, our children Mathilde and Hubert joined us at the estate. A new source of motivation for Marielle and me, and the beginning of a wonderful adventure.

The climate

The 2011 season got off to a particularly early start, with spring weather worthy of a nice summer.

In mid-April, the growing stage was on a par with 2007. It was cool overnight, but the hot days more than made up for it (27-29°C) and the drought was compounded by a strong northerly wind.

From 12 March to 10 May, we had just 14 mm rainfall from two light showers. On 11 and 12 May, we had a total of 36 mm. The vines were happy and we had to control the very rapid growth. From 21 to 24 May, the vines were in full bloom, even in the later areas. We saw a lot of uneven flowering. At the end of May, the growing cycle progressed well, in contrast to the previous month. At the beginning of June, the climate took a turn: storms gathered in the region and fortunately the rainfall was less than in the south of our area.

At the end of June, we experienced heatwaves and storms overnight. There was a violent wind, but fortunately we only received the tail end of the storms. At the beginning of July, we enjoyed warm weather with a north-northeasterly wind. The nights were cool and the light rain of 7 July contributed to the smooth development of the vines.

Veraison began on 11 July, meaning we could expect the harvest to take place on 25 August. In stark contrast, the second half of July and the first week of August led us to believe we were experiencing an early autumn. From 10 to 26 August, the weather alternated between very hot periods and heavy showers, causing great concern. Mildew was lurking and a few spots of rot were beginning to appear. However, ripeness tests were excellent, with the extractable anthocyanin curve matching that of 2005 and the tannin curve matching that of 2010. My grapes weathered this difficult period very well.

From 27 August, the pleasant weather returned, bringing cool nights, a wind from the north-east and beautiful light – what a delight! Harvesting at the estate began on 31 August. Since the 17th century, this has been only the 6th harvest to take place in August, after 1719, 1822, 1893, 2003 and 2007. The skins were thick, the sugar content good and the overall balance of the fruit was perfect. Unfortunately, the volumes picked were on average 35% lower than normal. 

Features of the vintage

The wines are concentrated with beautiful colour and rich and complex aromas. On the palate, there is cherry, black fruit and incredible spice. The balance of acidity is good and the tannins beautifully smooth. They have excellent ageing potential, while remaining drinkable in the first few years. The 2011 vintage combined the distinctive notes of 2005 with the sophistication of 2010.

The climate

The winter of 2009 was long and wet. The winter frost caused some damage, particularly in the night of 19 December when temperatures plummeted to -20°C. Many vines were destroyed, as were many fruiting buds. The growing season got off to a normal, even start, thanks to summer-like temperatures at the end of April. 2010 was one of the wettest years on record during the growing season.
May remained close to usual levels. June was one of the rainiest months we have known, making ploughing difficult and increasing powdery mildew pressure. A three-week summer break from 20 June to 11 July provided some respite.
August was bleak with a drop in temperatures and excess rain. Cumulative rainfall varied wildly from one area to another. Fortunately, we were spared the most violent storms. The 2010 season was also marked by its cool temperatures. These conditions played a key role in keeping the vines healthy. I had finally succeeded in managing the vineyard organically. For the first time, I saw how the vine had resisted all these climatic challenges on its own. The foliage remained a brilliant, deep green colour, the fruit had developed an incredibly thick skin and every part had ripened in perfect harmony.

Features of the vintage

The estate harvests started on 23 September with cool temperatures and a light northerly wind. Yields were very low – 40% lower than average. This also explains, in the climatic context of the vintage, the superb quality of the harvest. The wines produced are incredibly well-balanced, in the spirit of the 2000 vintage, but with more body. The colours are vibrant and luminous. They reveal incredible finesse on the palate. The tannins are silky and sophisticated. Without doubt, a great success, reflecting the hard work in the vineyard over the last few years.

The climate

After what can only be described as a real winter, with frost and rain, budburst was on average 8 days earlier than in 2008. The month of May brought summer-like temperatures, causing very rapid vine growth.

At the beginning of June, it took just a week for the vines to be in full bloom, meaning that the grapes were perfectly even in ripeness and could be harvested early.

After fruit set, in June and the first part of July, a temporary cool spell caused growth to slow. This period was marked by bouts of above-average rainfall with some warm spells.

At the beginning of July, we carried out some light leaf thinning and green harvesting. From 7 August, the summer was hot and sunny, causing veraison to progress rapidly. Temperatures became scorching around 20 August, but the soil was wet and the grapes ripened evenly. On 24 August, a second visit to the vines meant I could perfect my green harvest. At the beginning of September, the seeds were already ripe and the vine’s energy was used to produce even more fruit. The grapes were already showing a complex flavour.

Features of the vintage

I started the harvest on 9 September with wonderful weather. It was a great quality harvest. The wines are reminiscent of the greatest vintages of years ending in 9. The overall balance is spectacular, the tannins silky and the palate full-bodied and profound. With very good ageing potential, the wines are generous, sensual and sustained by an excellent freshness. Over the last few years, I’ve been working to achieve more extrovert wines with a stronger nose without impacting the ageing potential, freshness and minerality. After 28 years of managing a vineyard and winemaking, I am still doubling down and developing my own style out of the purest respect for the expression of my terroirs and the fascinating grape that is Pinot Noir.