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A pre-harvest meeting took place in mid-September, where by the 2018 vintage was presented to Saint-Émilion winegrowers. This factual presentation, focusing on this year’s weather and vine growth, revealed our high hopes for the 2018 vintage!
WEATHER
2018 was marked by a mild and wet winter, featuring very heavy rainfall. This was followed by uneven precipitation in spring and September, as well as several hail storms in May which fortunately did not affect the vineyard. Subsequent dry and sunny weather in August was conducive to optimum grape ripening.
VINE GROWTH
Bud break was later, as a result of waterlogged soils at the end of winter, and quicker thanks to warm temperatures during April.
Flowering was early and quick – the earliest observed in the vineyard since 2012!
Véraison (when the grapes turn from green to red) took longer in certain plots due to water stress, with mi-véraison (mid colour change) occurring around early August.
Véraison began around July 30 and finished around August 13, lasting 14-days in total.
The 2018 phenological surveys (bud break, flowering, and véraison) are similar to 2015, suggesting another highly promising vintage. Wine lovers of the Saint-Émilion, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Puisseguin, and Lussac Saint-Émilion appellations have a lot to look forward to!
THE MILDEW THREAT
Our winegrowers had to contend with very aggressive mildew in 2018. The high risk of mildew was due to weather conditions conducive to contamination.
In conclusion, the 2018 vintage will be marked by a mild and rainy winter and spring, followed by a wonderful summer and start to autumn. Wine professionals anticipate a high-quality vintage and 2018 looks set to be one of the most structured Bordeaux vintages yet! A great #saintemilionexperience is in store!
