POMMARD 1997
Summer harvesting time
Climatic conditions of the year and vegetative cycle
After a long cold winter, the vine reacted quickly to the first sunshine and the warmer temperatures of early March. The arrival of buds was very early (15 days earlier than in 1996). Spring frosts only damaged the most exposed parcels.
In May, heat and dryness, lead to a fast growing of the vegetation. Flowering started at the end of May, confirming the precocity of the year.
The cooler temperatures of June slowed down the end of the flower and caused a “millerandage” (small raisins with concentrated juice) .
The vegetative start up was slowed down by a rainy beginning of the summer. The diseases were limited.
Stormy rains at the end of August/ beginning of September did not have much impact on the beginning of maturation.
Maturation of the grapes and grape harvest
Climatic conditions and the perfect quality of the grapes allowed many producers to wait until their optimum maturity.
They were followed by an exceptionally sunny time and dryness throughout all harvesting time. Night coolness helped to keep healthy conditions .
Pinot Noir matured more quickly than Chardonnay. The maturity of the grapes was nevertheless different in certain areas.
Sugars reached high levels if not exceptional in some vineyards.
Harvesting time started on September 1 st for the appellation ’’Crémant de Bourgogne’’ and as of September 6 for the still wines.
The volumes, lower than in 1996, is in the average of the past 5 years.
Wine making and characters of the wines
The wine making required a very attentive follow-up,particulary in the control of the temperatures during alcoholic fermentation.
Mid-November, the white wines are remarkable by their richness and their balance. Full, elegant and robust, they are promise a great vintage.
All the red wines present a visual texture of beautiful intensity. Their nose is characterized by quite ripe fruit flavors. Full bodied and fleshy in the mouth, they are already pleasant to drink.
Their personality should get stronger when aging.
(Official statement of the “Cote d’Or” Wine committee of November 16, 1997)
Aging
In October 2004 it is 7 years old, it is starting its second stage. We advise you to still keep it in cellar, but if you like, you could start to drink it. You will like its body with beautiful intensity, its quite ripe fruit flavors, and its softness in the mouth. Its personality will continue to improve when aging.