An abundant harvest
Vine development and weather conditions
The growing season was full of vicissitudes: late bud burst in mid-April, very quick flowering in June, and a lapse of only ten days from flowering to fruit set. While Spring ended with summer-like temperatures, Summer itself had difficulty setting in.
Temperatures were below average from late July to the end of September. There was less sunshine than usual in August and véraison (colour change) took its time. It also rained very little, and drought conditions created further obstacles to ripening.
A northerly wind in early September drove away the clouds hampering photosynthesis. The grape harvest took place under clear blue skies with warm temperatures.
Vintage characteristics − white wines
Since the Chardonnay grapes were riper than the Pinot Noir, picking started in the Bâtard-Montrachet vineyard on September 21st and went on for three days.
As flowering had been quite prolific, yields were high. The 1996 white wines are well-balanced and pure, with peach, nectarine, and citrus aromas. They have a lovely texture on the palate with beautiful acidity.
Vintage characteristics − red wines
The harvest began on September 24th in the Morgeot sector. As with Chardonnay, the Pinot Noir grapes were perfectly ripe and healthy. The 1996 red wines are deeply-coloured with a concentrated, very fruity bouquet. They also have elegant tannin and are well-structured on the palate.