Paying attention to make sure the Cabernet Franc was protected from sunburn was needed. As you know, Cabernet Franc is susceptible to sunburn.
2011 is a better vintage than 1998. But other years have been better than 2011. But I do not want great vintages every year in Bordeaux. I like variety and the differences between the wines.
We recently purchased 3 hectares of vines on very good terroir. At this moment, I am not sure how much of that will be included in 2011. If I had to guess, it would be less than half.
Jean Claude Berrouet, who was at Petrus, is now working with us along with Gilles Pauquet, who as you know brings a lot of experience from his efforts at Cheval Blanc and other top chateaux.
The berries were small and concentrated this vintage. But this is good as the grapes brought low yields with concentrated fruit.
Old Vine Merlot, with deep roots in clay soil produced strong Pomerol wines in the 2011 Bordeaux vintage.