2015 Château La Garde

52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot. The year began with excellent climatic conditions – sunny, warm and dry. Flowering was very even and began a week earlier than average. The Merlot planted on clay did not struggle with the hot, dry weather in June and July. For the gravel soils that are more sensitive to drought, the estate tilled the soil lightly to break up the channels where water was evaporating in order to preserve moisture in the subsoil and remove any competition with the covering plants. By the end of July the vineyard was in excellent health and the rainy periods were not excessively heavy. This kick-started veraison, which had been slowed down by the high temperatures of previous weeks. With the chilly nights and warm days, conditions in August were ideal for the development of fine tannins and anthocyanins in the red grape varieties. Harvesting stretched calmly from 23 September to 6 October. Bright crimson in colour. Plump and soft, all red cherries and plums, with ripe and integrated tannins. Good fruit drive but fairly simple, with a clean, slightly caramelised finish. (TP)