Chateau Palmer Blend, France
The 2011 vintage will remain in our memories as the most precocious of the 2000s. The vegetative year began with an exceptionally warm and dry spring. The first consequence was the vine’s early budding. The first flowers appeared as early as 10th May, almost three weeks ahead of schedule. On 4th June, with the berries already formed, a hailstorm broke over our vineyard and reduced the harvest’s potential yield. The accompanying rain at least allowed the vine to recharge before the start of a new dry spell that would stretch on to 14th July. The young berries, very sensitive at this stage in their development, suffered from the heat wave conditions. Some berries literally withered and fell off the vine. After such an extreme month of June, the rain returned mid-July and the temperatures cooled. The vine recovered. Véraison went smoothly in favorable conditions. At the end of the month of August, the sun came
out and was our faithful companion throughout harvest. After the great 2009 and 2010 vintages with their unique balances, 2011 has a classical structure with an alcohol level inferior to 13.5%. However, a frank acidity and a very good concentration of tight tannins guarantee a tremendous capacity to age for this vintage.
BLEND
MERLOT 48%
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 37%
PETIT VERDOT 15%
HARVEST DATES
07/09/2011 TO 29/09/2011