| Magdelaine 2004 • September 2005 | MAGDELAINE
Saint-Emilion 1er Grand Cru Classé
2004 Vintage
Situation :
The plateau and the south-facing slope of Saint Emilion.
Surface area :
10,8 hectares (26.67 acres)
Density of plantation :
7,000 to 9,000 vines per hectare
Grape varieties :
- 95% Merlot
- 5% Cabernet Franc
Average age of the vineyard :
32 years
Yield in 2004 :
43 hectolitres per hectare
Vineyard management :
- Four ploughings of the soil
- Environment friendly spray treatments
- Crop thinning
Growing season :
Bud-break on April 5, 2004 (late because of the cold month of March)
Mid-flowering point on June 9, 2004 : the flowering was rapid and well-grouped together (starting on June 7 and finishing on June 11), thanks to very hot weather at the end of May and a dry spell at the beginning of June.
An abundance of grapes appeared. Despite this bumper crop, there were few cases of poor or unever set.
Mid-colour change point was on August 9, 2004 : the colour change was long and difficult because of rainy weather, lack of sunshine and the heavy crop.
The month of September was fine and helped the crop to ripen well in excellent health.
Harvest :
The picking was carried out in the best possible conditions and in fine weather.
The whole of the crop was picked using small plastic crates, then sorted on a table at the entrance to the vat cellar.
The harvest began on October 2, 2004 and ended on October 5, 2004.
Vinification :
The vinification was carried out in small-sized vats, allowing each parcel to be fermented separately.
The vatting periods lasted 17 days on average, with no yeasting or chaptalisation, but with slightly longer than usual pre-fermentation cold macerations.
The malolactic fermentations finished in mid-December 2004.
Ageing :
The ageing process began on December 12, 2004, in barrels, (of which 30% were new), and in separate batches.
Blending :
This has not yet taken place.
Second wine :
In 2004, we are planning to produce a second wine called, "Les Songes de Magdelaine"
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