Domain De Baronaques "Rouges" By Baron Phillippe De Rothschild

Climatic conditions

Budbreak occurred very early after a particularly mild and wet winter.

Nearly ten days earlier than in an average year, it lasted from 16 March for the Merlot and Syrah to 1 April for the Cabernet Sauvignon. The vine growth cycle began in warm and very wet spring weather which encouraged vegetation growth and replenished water reserves in the soil. Flowering then took place very rapidly from 18 to 28 May in good conditions. Summer set in quickly from 10 June, bringing a period of very dry weather (a dry wind and 33 days with temperatures over 33° C) until 28 August, with the temperature reaching a maximum of 37.6° C on 8 August. The drought caused veraison to start very early (30 July for the Merlot), though it was spread over time.

The red grape harvest started on 11 September with an evenly ripe parcel of Merlot, still ten days earlier than the average, and ended on 9 October. Very fine early autumn weather meant that we were able to pick all the varieties at optimum maturity and in excellent condition.