(Please see my overall vintage review here.)
An outstanding set of wines here, notwithstanding the challenging conditions of the vintage.
An outstanding set of wines here, notwithstanding the challenging conditions of the vintage.
Jean-Nicolas Méo said that harvesting began on 29 August at Corton and then continued on 1 September for the Clos-de-Vougeot. Yields were generous, some vineyards set records. There was some green harvesting over the summer, too. The wines are between 12.9% and 14% alcohol. Malic acidities were low, and the malo-lactic fermentations accordingly were quick. Almost all wines were from entirely destemmed grapes.
In spring and early summer, Vosne-Romanée suffered quite a bit of mildew and some oïdium after that. As a result, although the estate has long followed organic practices, in 2018 it was necessary to use some chemical treatments. From 15 July on, there were no more problems in the vineyards.
Jean-Nicolas compares the vintage to 1989 and 1985, two ripe vintages that have lasted well.
These wines were served from samples that had been bottled and then a Coravin was used for serving, a practice that makes wines more difficult for me to judge. (Continue reading here.)