| Cheval Blanc 2005 • June 2006 | CHEVAL BLANC
1st Great Classified Growth “A”
2005 vintage
Weather conditions :
2005 was an exceptionally dry year. The total amount of rainfall recorded between January and the end of September was 343 mm, whilst in a normal year the figure is 572 mm. It was a hot year, but without the extreme heat of 2003. From April to September inclusive, the average temperature was 1.7°C above that of a normal year. These weather conditions were very conducive to vine development and the ripening of the grapes. The final stage of the ripening process took place in dry weather, with temperatures close to those in a normal year.
Growing season :
The mid point for colour change in the grapes was observed on the 30th July for the Merlot and the 6th August for the Cabernet franc, which makes 2005 a very early-ripening year in spite of a late bud-break (compared with the average date for the last ten years). The catching up was largely due to the high temperatures which occurred during June (3.5°C higher than in a normal June). The flowering and the colour change in the grapes went quickly and evenly. The picking started at Cheval Blanc in September 12th. The fine weather conditions during the month of September allowed to put back the picking date for the Cabernet Franc, helping it to reach perfect ripeness levels. The harvest finished on September 27th.
The vine withstood the drought conditions remarkably well. The constraints of a shortage of water in the soil appeared very gradually, which allowed the vines to adapt. Because the previous two vintages had also lacked sufficient rainfall, the roots had delved deeper to find moisture, and this lessened the effects of the drought. Consequently very little defoliation was observed. The summer drought brought about an early halt in vegetation growth. It also limited the growth of the berries, which were exceptionally small, promising greater concentration.
Vineyard management :
The growth of vine vegetation was regular and balanced in 2005. Crop size potential was large, making systematic crop thinning essential in order to reach a level of production that would be compatible with the achieving of a great vintage.
Constitution of the grapes at ripeness :
The constitution of the grapes at ripeness was outstanding. The potential alcoholic degrees reached unprecedented levels. Acidity levels were rather low, but not excessively so. Fruit flavours were situated within the “ripe fruit” bracket and not in the “jammy fruit” bracket, which can be the case in very hot years. For these different reasons, the wines coped well with their high level of alcohol and remain remarkably fresh. The grapes were rich in phenolic compounds, with very ripe tannins.
Quality of the vintage :
The 2005 vintage is of outstanding quality, in the Bordeaux region in general and at Cheval Blanc in particular. All the dry years have been great vintages in Bordeaux (1989, 1990, 1995, 1998, 2000) and 2005, the driest year since weather records began in the Bordeaux region, is no exception. There was as much success in the Merlot as in the Cabernet Franc. The high levels of alcohol required great vigilance during the wine-making process. The 2005 Cheval Blanc is rich, but balanced and displays great freshness.
Contact
Château Cheval Blanc – 33330 Saint-Emilion
Tel : +33 (0) 557 555 555 – Fax : +33 (0) 557 555 550
E-mail : contact@château-chevalblanc.com
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