The 2003 Growing Season

The 2003 growing season started successfully with bud burst in mid-March.  There were plenty of spring showers to moisten the soils and develop the buds. 

The harvest period has commenced earlier this year due to quicker than usual development of the grapes, caused by the hot dry summer.  So far the fruit looks extraordinary, but there is not much of it!

Domaine Sainte Rose uses a combination of machine and hand-picking to harvest the grapes.

1. 2003 Chardonnay harvest began on the 13th of August.

2. 2003 Roussanne harvest began on the 15th of August.

3. 2003 Syrah harvest began on the 24th of August.

4. 2003 Alicante harvest began on the 25th of August.

5. 2003 Grenache harvest began on the 1st of September.

6. 2003 Merlot harvest began on the 3rd of September.

7. 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon harvest began on the 10th of September.