The beginning of the autumn in 2005 was relatively mild but from November, the temperatures dropped quickly until becoming negative. The winter settled until 18th. March, accompanied by frequent and sometimes important snowfalls from mid-November to the end of February. The winter rainfalls were consequent and made up for the hydrous deficit of the ground water.

The vegetation started to grow from 20th. March because of an abrupt rise in the temperatures. Then, in spite of disturbed climatic conditions, the vine continued its development regularly until mid-June, when the rise of the temperatures developed a fast growth. Flowering started around 15th.-20th. June and the delay which the vine showed compared to 2005 was filled quickly. The heat wave of July was accompanied on 27th. by an important storm, with hail, causing consequent damage in the vineyard of Chambertin Clos de Bèze and damaging in lesser way other vines in Gevrey.

The quality of the grapes was very satisfactory not requiring no intervention.

We started grape-picking on 22nd September under beautiful sunshine which lasted all along. Important sorting of grapes was done in all appellations especially in Clos de Bèze ( these yields were small, about 15 hl/ha).
Vinification took place without any problem with the same ‘cuvaison’ time as usual.
A pre-fermenting cooling of the grapes was done at 15°C for 4-5 days and then fermentation started naturally. Both juices were assembled and the concentration of sugar had a very good level, together with a nice acidity.
The bottling is programmed for april 2008.
Malolactic fermentation was over in February and the first racking was done on July 2007.
As for its characteristics, the 2006 vintage can be qualified of pure, elegant and complex with a good concentration of little red fruits and flowers together with fine and velvety tannins.