The climatic specificity of 2009 was illustrated by a generous sunshine and a few rainstorms. In addition, two episodes of hail (April and may) hit the major part of the Clos de la Roche as well as the Mazoyères-Chambertin (assembled and vinified with the Charmes Chambertin). The mini and maxi temperatures were almost always above normal ever since the beginning of April until the end of August.
The vine starts its development towards the end of March. The weather conditions at the beginning of April favour the growing and the different stages develop rapidly. The opening of the buds is early, and, at the end of April, the average stage is of 4/5 leaves. After a decrease in activity at the beginning of May due to lower temperatures, the return of sunshine allows a rapid evolution of the vegetation. The flowering is effective during the last week of May. Then, the vine continues its development between sun and rain and, at the end of June, the stage of the closure of the grape is reached. The veraison is takes place between August 15th. and 20th. according to the exposure of the plots.
Despite a combination of rain and high temperatures which could have brought mildew and oidium contaminations, the vines have been spared and, at the eve of grape-picking, the sanitary state is exceptional.
Harvest started on 7th. September with excellent climatic conditions. Grapes were very healthy, not much sorting was necessary except on plots which were submitted to hail in spring. Moreover, the beautiful climatic conditions from the end of august until the start of picking - except a short storm episode mid-august - favoured the maturity of the berries.
This year, Domaine Armand Rousseau innovated in keeping 20% of full grapes – except for Clos de la Roche – to pursue its perpetual research for optimal quality. Therefore, the small berries full of sun could liberate the sugar they contained progressively, and in this way, allowed the wine to increase its natural richness while keeping very good acidities.
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Malolactic fermentations started at the end of November and developed rapidly. In fact, all cuvées but one had finished in January.
All these elements announce a vintage quite exceptional in quality together with good quantity.
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