“Each year has its own weather variations, throwing up exciting challenges as to how to make the best of each harvest. The intense heat of the 2003 summer, the cool evenings of the 2005 harvest period; these add to the individuality and character of the vintages.
If you know the years, you may start to understand the wines.”
2003
2004
2005
The 'Vigneron Independant'
2003
This was the first year at Domaine Gourdon, a year that I hoped would give me a good idea of the nature of the vines and the soil. It turned out to be an 'année exceptionel' with summer temperatures reaching 47°C. The rains generally held off throughout July and August and very little in September.
The heat produced one of the earliest harvests known in the area. The Sauvignon Blanc being picked in the last days of August. The heat and drought produced extremely low yields resulting in intense tannins and deep colouring. The reds are now starting to mellow but still have the structure to keep for some time.
At Domaine Gourdon the old Cabernet Sauvignon vines produced yields low enough to worry the Grands Châteaux of Bordeaux. The Merlot grapes had started to shrivel on the vines due to the heat and lack of water. The result is a fine, intense wine that is proving to be a favourite with clients who have followed it from early days.
2004
This proved to be a more 'normal' year in some ways. The early indications were that of a hot year with temperatures reaching 35°C by mid-May. However in June and July the cooler summer struggled to see figures rise above 30°C seeing less development in the tannins. The work done over the winter in turning and fertilising the soil took effect and the yields came up to reasonable levels.
The humidity in September caused some concern for the health of the grapes, but all came in clean and with good ripeness. The lower temperatures helped produce more complex flavours in the Sauvignon Blanc and a red blend that is lighter and fruitier than the 2003. The rosé has developed quite a unique character with the cabernet sauvignon being harvested with good acidity.
2005
Once again this has been reported as an 'année exceptionelle' by the French wine press. Though the summer didn't warm up as much as 2003 there was an intensity as a result of the very dry winter. The lack of rain caused an overall shortage in ground water supplies. Most of the vines water uptake is from percolation upwards rather than sky downwards, hence without the replenishing of the aquifers the vines once again suffered and the yields were low.
The hand harvested Sauvignon came in with an 'potential' alcohol content of 14,5%! Since the cold evenings slowed the fall of acidity in the grapes an earlier harvest (when the sugars levels were lower) was not possible. The result is a special, limited production white wine that truly has a unique character.
The rosé was also quite remarkable. The intensity of colour in this wine was as a result of the skin maturity resulting from the warm daytime and sunshine of August and September.
The reds also have an intensity which is proving to be a classic. The blend of 'pressed' wine is in oak barrels and still showing deep purple and ruby colours with robust tannins. Some patience is need here.
The 'Vigneron Independant'
This vigneron:
- respects his 'terroir',
- works his vines,
- harvests his grapes,
- develops his wine,
- bottles his wine at the domaine,
- sells his wines,
- improves production with respect of traditions,
- welcomes, advises tastings and takes pleasure in presenting the fruits of his toils and his land.
Passion, authenticity, tradition, love for good workmanship ..... All this is the soul of wine, these are the values which affect you, the same values that the 'vigneron independent' continually defends.
And he perpetuates them in evolving methods of viticulture.
