| Belair 2002 • August 2003 | BELAIR
1st Great Classified Growth since 1954
2002 Vintage
Surface area and situation :
12 hectares of which 45 % are on clay-limestone slopes and 55 % on the “asteria” limestone plateau.
South-east/south exposure.
Grape varieties :
- 80 % Merlot :
20 % on clay – power
20 % on molasse – breed
40 % on the limestone plateau – finesse
- 20 % Cabernet Franc :
on silt, sand and limestone
Density of plantation :
6,000 plants per hectare
Average age of the vines :
35 years
Vineyard management :
Maintenance of the vineyard based on tried and tested traditional methods.
Great care and attention shown to the vineyard and its natural balances – Eco-dynamic.
The 2002 Vintage :
A year which was affected by very difficult weather conditions, bringing about severe coulure and millerandage.
The weather for the rest of the year favoured the wine growers since the conditions made difficult any development of disease or proliferation of pests.
These cold conditions and frequent rains prevented any outbreak of fungal diseases.
The exceptional amount of sunshine during September brought about the desired ripeness levels to grapes which benefited from the slightest ray of sunshine.
The harvest carried out on flower and fruit days, according to the bio-dynamic calendar, took place in radiant sunshine on the 29th and 30th September and the 3rd and 4th October.
A very classic vinification, started naturally with indigenous yeasts, enzymes and bacteria from the terroir ; no concentration techniques are used – long maceration and soaking of the cap of skins by gravity.
Seasoning of our oak barrel staves in the open air for 24 months.
Ageing in barrel at the beginning of November in 90 % new barrels. Slow, natural, controlled oxidation.
Yield :
33 hectolitres per hectare
Blend :
Very representative of all of the plots making up the vineyard. This wine is very faithful to the notion of a château wine and keeps the identity of the vintage.
This unique blend is incomparable and impossible to reproduce. It will be finalised with the bottling.
Proportion of 1st and 2nd wine :
1st wine : 82 % (of which 20 % is waiting to be incorporated)
2nd wine : 18 %
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