A few words from Henri-Bruno de Coincy, owner of Château Belle-Brise, on the 2019 vintage.
Were there any notable weather events that affected the vines this year?
There were no unusual events outside of a persistent sun and a warm summer. This was tempered by some light rain in September, which brought a welcome freshness to the grapes for those who waited to harvest, which was our case.
Were there any vintage specific issues or characteristics that affected the blend? How did each of the varieties turn out in 2019?
The balance between Merlot and Cabernet is perfect this year, the Cabernet having provided the necessary acidity to the Merlot due to the voluntary waiting to harvest after the rain.
How did you work up to final blend – can you share your process this year?
For the final blend we work as a team; what prevails is to always bring out the quintessence of the fruit and velvet in the mouth.
What do you feel has had the biggest effect on the final taste profile of the 2019 vintage?
Belle-Brise covers a very small area (2 hectares) allowing us to manage each step of the vinification manually, which all contribute to produce an exceptional vintage. We hand pick all the grapes in one day and they are then hand sorted. We brought to the cellar a perfectly healthy ripe harvest and this translate into the 2019 vintage.
How does 2019 compare to other vintages?
The aromas of blackberry, the very marked colour towards the dark, the opulence in the mouth with already this velvety mouthfeel specific to Belle-Brise makes 2019 an exceptional vintage. 2018 was already a great millesime; 2019 is even more complete.
Read the full report: Bordeaux 2019 A Vintage Preview