Despite these difficulties, there is a sense of optimism among the winegrowers. The extreme weather conditions, while challenging, have given the grapes remarkable character and depth. The lower yields mean that each grape has received more attention and care, potentially resulting in wines with greater concentration and complexity. The for Bordeaux unusual late Start the Red wine harvest leaves on a excellent Ageing potential the Wines close. The unique Conditions this Year have also to different Flavor profiles guided. First Reports interpret on a balanced Ratio from Acid and Tannins towards, the Wine lovers and –collector inspire should.
First Tastings have shown, that the White wines this Vintage one lively Acid and Freshness exhibit, the the cooler Temperatures and the early Maturity reflect. The red wines are expected to have a deep, rich color, intense aromas and the potential for longevity. The diversity of terroirs in Bordeaux means that each sub-region has contributed its own characteristics to the overall vintage, resulting in a mosaic of flavors and aromas that reflect the uniqueness of the 2024 vintage.

Despite these challenges, we are cautiously optimistic about the 2024 vintage. This optimism is justified by the fact that we have been able to overcome some of the challenges through increased work and the additional help of André Romain, who now works in our vineyards together with Igor Leclere. This doubling of the workforce has made it possible to carry out proactive and careful work in the vineyard and to increase the resistance of the vineyards to mildew compared to 2023. Although the rainy weather posed a major challenge, it also ensured a plentiful supply of water, which is now proving beneficial in the later stages of grape development in the current heat. In any case, the vineyards around the house look much healthier and fresher than in previous years. If the weather remains warm and dry until the harvest, we see great potential for the production of high-quality wines.

Again, we observe during this season that Cabernet Franc is more resistant to the changes of the climate and to mildew when compared to Merlot. With our new plantings of Cabernet Franc over the last decade, we have anticipated some of these developments and are now benefiting from them.

As Stephane bid adieu, we asked Thomas Duclos and Oenoteam, known for its innovative approach and commitment to excellence, to lend us support in the future. After a very constructive meeting with him, a new partnership was formed.

Thomas Duclos is a rising star in the field of oenology consulting. Over the past ten years, he has built a reputation as one of the best consultant oenologists. He advises a diverse group of Bordeaux wineries, including some iconic estates such as Château Canon and Château Troplong Mondot. He has been working as a consultant oenologist since 2012 and has made a name for himself since then. His passion and expertise enrich the world of wine, and his collaboration with the renowned Oenoteam is promising.

In our first meetings, we immediately connected, and the “chemistry” was perfect. Together, we are now on our way to new adventures and towards creating one of the best wines of all Bordeaux, using our excellent “Saint Emilion-style” terroir.

1. Hand trimming: At Le Pin Beausoleil, we only use hand trimming and no mechanical methods. Hand pruning enables a more precise approach, allowing vineyard workers to carefully select and prune specific vines. This method reduces the risk of unintentionally damaging the vines and promotes a better understanding of the individual needs of each plant.
2. Natural fertilization: Organic vineyards prefer natural fertilization methods such as cover cropping and composting to improve soil health. Pruned vines can be returned to the soil as organic matter, contributing to a nutrient-rich soil that will support the next season’s growth.
3. Promoting biodiversity: In organic viticulture, biodiversity is often used as a means of pest control. We complement pruning by preserving natural habitats and planting ground cover between the rows to create a balanced ecosystem that supports beneficial insects and microorganisms.
4. Disease prevention: Organic winegrowers undertake to avoid synthetic pesticides and fungicides. Pruning plays a decisive role in disease prevention, as it improves air circulation in the tree crown and thus reduces the risk of fungal infections. In addition, the correct spacing of the vines when pruning helps to minimize the spread of diseases.

When the pruning shears make their way through the vineyards in December, we not only shape the vines, but also shape a sustainable future for our vineyards. Winter pruning is a harmonious blend of tradition, science and environmental protection and forms the basis for the creation of wines that reflect the true character of our terroir. In our type of organic viticulture, the journey from vine to bottle is a careful and deliberate process, and winter pruning marks the beginning of a new cycle of wine production. It reflects our commitment to producing wines that are not only delicious, but also environmentally conscious.

When the calendar turns to November, a critical time begins in the vineyards. Despite the problems encountered at the beginning of the year, the focus is now on caring for the vines in order to achieve the best possible results. November is a crucial time when winegrowers are busy preparing the vineyards for the approaching winter. It is a time of transition in which the vines must be carefully prepared for the dormant phase.

The work in the vineyards is particularly careful and important in November. The sowing of cover crops begins this month. Sowing cover crops between the rows of vines helps to prevent soil erosion, improves soil health and acts as a natural fertilizer. These cover crops, such as clover or rye, also ensure greater biodiversity in the vineyard, attract beneficial insects and improve the entire ecosystem.

Another important aspect of the activities in November is the evaluation and maintenance of the equipment. After the busy harvest season, it’s time to check and repair the equipment and machinery to make sure everything is in top shape for the coming year. Attention to detail in maintenance contributes to efficiency and smooth operation during the demanding tasks of the next season.

Despite the major challenges we face throughout the year, cautious optimism prevails in Bordeaux. The resilience with which we overcame the hurdles of the 2023 vintage has encouraged us to produce exceptional wines.

The story of the 2023 Bordeaux vintage is one of adaptability and commitment. While weather fluctuations and adversity have put our resilience as organic winegrowers to the test, the current activities in the vineyards in November reflect our unwavering commitment to caring for the vines and laying the foundations for a promising future. At Le Pin Beausoleil, we continue our efforts to produce one of the most appreciated wines in the world – a testament to the tireless spirit of our winemaking team.