2015 A generous vintage
The signs of a great vintage
The 2015 vintage started under “classic” winter conditions, with the climatology (temperature and rainfall) close to the seasonal average. A mild spring allowed for even bud burst, the first factor in the homogeneous development of the vine this year, and a balanced and quick flowering.

Ideal climatic conditions in summer
The summer saw particularly hot and dry weather. On the great terroirs of Beychevelle, the vine found the ideal conditions: water stress on deep soils, thus preserving good freshness. The rains in August favoured a quick and even véraison, and also the thickening of the skins and an increase in their tannin content. The ripening of the grapes reached optimum levels thanks to sunny weather conditions at the end of August and beginning of September.

A tailor-made harvest
The harvest lasted from 22nd September to 8 October, with 15 days of actual picking. The weather conditions allowed each parcel and each grape variety to be picked at perfect ripeness. The grapes picked were in an especially good state of health. Optical sorting, used for the time this year, also allowed for the most rigorous selection. The first most important factor is certainly the natural sugar content at the time of harvest, especially for the Cabernet Sauvignon. With more than 13% potential alcohol (a record), this is evidence of optimal ripeness.

Our first impressions
The first tastings are very promising. They show generous, fruity and fleshy wines with deep colour. At this stage, the 2015 vintage seems to us to be the perfect outsider to the magnificent 2005!