Moulin de Reysson

The first six months of the 2016 grape season turned out to be particularly rainy and warm, replenishing water reserves in the soils which would serve the vines well in forthcoming months. Which was just as well as sunshine set in for the long haul from mid-June, bringing very dry weather until the end of the harvest. The combined effect of available water supplies and favourable temperatures – not too excessive during the day and very cool at night – played an important role in developing the fruit and their aromas during ripening. The grapes had ample time to slowly gain in richness and complexity, reaping the benefits of an Indian summer that favoured the development of quality tannins and anthocyanins. Harvesting was delayed and carried out swiftly, commencing with the earlier parcels on the slopes and finishing on the claylimestone plateau. Perfectly ripe grapes selected with our new optical sorting equipment were vinified with precision. 

Intense ruby-red in appearance. The Merlot at Moulin de Reysson is characterised by a generously aromatic, fresh, red-berry fruit bouquet, redolent of wild strawberries and cherries. The wine caresses the palate on the attack and leads into a juicy, full-flavoured palate, underpinned by a very delicate tannic structure which brings greater depth. A very pleasing, wellbalanced wine, wonderfully fresh throughout.

100% Merlot

The clay-limestone soils proved a major advantage in ensuring a successful vintage, regulating water supplies to the vine during the dry periods from June to mid-July and also during wet weather in August and September. Veraison developed well, despite a rather shaky start.  The Merlot flourished, evolving harmoniously as the weeks passed.  We harvested for almost three weeks - a real luxury – and waited for each parcel to reach optimum maturity before picking.

We sought to harness the intensity of the fleshy Merlot with silky tannins, which expressed superb aromas of ripe fruit.

« Intense ruby-red in appearance. Moulin de Reysson’s clay-grown Merlots lend abundant freshness on the aromatic, ripe and strawberry-laden bouquet. The wine initially caresses the tongue, developing delicious, crunchy character on the palate, underpinned by fine-grained, mouth-filling tannins. A very pleasing, well-balanced wine, lovely and fresh on the finish. » 

100% Merlot

After a promising start to the year, a dull, gloomy summer meant ripening got off to a slow start.  Any worries were lifted towards the end of August with the arrival of exceptional, lasting weather conditions.

While the quality of the vintage owes a great deal to the excellent late-season, a vintage of this quality would not be possible without considerable work in the vineyards earlier in the season to ensure pristine quality in the vines and stunning fruit. The return of lovely dry, sunny weather towards the end of August once again triggered ripening in the Merlot and Cabernet Franc.  Harvesting commenced September 24th with the Merlot, and finished with great quality Cabernet Franc on October 10th.  Whole berry fermentation in the Cabernet Sauvignon was the preferred option to preserve its elegance and finesse.  The Merlot, grape variety of choice on these limestone-clay soils, is more silky and aromatic.

Ruby red in appearance tinged with garnet. The concentrated bouquet releases lightly toasted notes of dark cherries. Well-balanced, lovely structure on the palate to this rounded, delicately oaked wine. The long finish is backed by inviting delicious, fruity freshness.

100% Merlot

This year at Reysson, Merlot, which is the most widely planted varietal on the estate, showed good resistance to the vagaries of climate, largely due to the young vines planted in our vineyards and the water-retaining capacity of the clay-rich soils, which regulate water supplies to the vine.

The chaotic vintage conditions were often seen to disrupt our intervention programmes in the vineyard, and required around the clock vigilance. We endeavoured to adapt on a daily basis, tailoring ploughing and work in the vineyard to allow optimum ripening in the grapes.

Selection was even more severe than usual, in order to maintain our high standards of quality.

The wines are defined by an intense bouquet laden with blueberries and plums and delicate oaky nuances. The palate allies power with finesse, revealing robust tannins and a persistent, fruity finish.

100% Merlot