The 2006 Growing Season

Vineyards: 2006 Growing season and Harvest

The 2006 growing season has been different again to all those in our experience.

The Languedoc winter was long and cold this year, with the effect being that bud burst did not begin until well into March.  Late winter and early spring were relatively wet, which built up the water reserves for what has subsequently been an extremely hot, dry summer.

We have been worrying about water stress in the latter part of the summer, however in the middle of August there was a small amount of precipitation that will ensure that the progress of maturity will not be affected.  This year our drip irrigation in the Chardonnay bloc has proved its worth again, reducing the stress in this parcel of vines and ensuring that the fruit does not get overly rich or heavy.

As we approach the harvest we have experienced strong northerly winds, which have cooled the daytime temperature significantly.  The night time temperature has also dropped ensuring a more controlled maturation of the grapes.

The 2006 Vintage (THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED REGULARLY DURING THE VINTAGE)

The 2006 vintage commenced on August 15th, 2006.

1. 2006 Chardonnay harvest began on 15th August, 2006.

2. 2006 Merlot harvest began on 2nd September, 2006.

3. 2006 Roussanne harvest began on 6th September, 2006.

4. 2006 Grenache harvest began on 12th September, 2006

5. 2006 Syrah harvest began on 21st September, 2006

6. 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon harvest began on 10th October, 2006