Detailed information on the 2012 Bordeaux harvest with interviews, news, information and photographs with all the top chateaux
The alcohol levels are lower than 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. We are around slightly more than 13% with our 2012 Clinet.
It’s the date at which the harvest starts that is the most important. Then we must harvest as fast as possible and with luck, in the best possible conditions. The date at which the harvest ends is never anticipated at the beginning of the harvest. It is always confirmed just a few days before it’s there..
Historically, 2012 Domaine de Chevalier is a very late vintage for us. In fact this is the latest harvest start for the Merlot in the history of the chateau!
Due to the lateness of the harvest, because we had to wait, it was difficult to find work for our workers in the vineyard that were waiting to start picking.
We have been experimenting with whole cluster fermentation for 3 years. On average, we use about 30 % whole clusters in Pomerol. Whole clusters give more power, complexity, structure to the wine.”
The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon both reached an excellent quality and maturity level. But I would say that with 2012 Clerc Milon, the Merlot may have an extra dimension this year in depth and complexity.
2012 Chateau d’Yquem will be declassified for the tenth time since 1900. Only the dry, white wine, “Y” will be produced!
