Sabrina Pernet and Thomas Duroux, respectively Technical Director and CEO, took their first tour of the Merlot parcels yesterday morning in order to taste the berries and determine their level of ripeness.

Tasting showed an important level of potential tannins. This was later confirmed by the laboratory tests that showed a Glories index (the measure of phenolic compounds) being largely superior to that of 2009.

Nevertheless, the berry skins are still very thick and solid. The level of ripeness for ideal tannin extraction has not yet been reached. This confirms our prediction that harvest should start during the week of September 27th.

Also noteworthy: flowering took place over time resulting in quite heterogeneous grape bunches. If the exceptional weather conditions that we have had over the past two weeks continue, this heterogeneousness should even out before harvest begins.