THE VINTAGES
Château Cartier 2020
Weather Conditions During the Growing Season
The 2020 vintage is a vintage of contrasts.
Winter was exceptionally rainy. Spring was warm and humid, almost tropical, which powdery mildew thoroughly enjoyed. Early flowering unfolded variably depending on the grape varieties, terroirs, and prevailing weather conditions.
Then, just before summer, the rain stopped, giving way to dry and fairly temperate weather until the approach of veraison. From then on, heat, at times very intense, dominated the period. Mid-August storms were necessary and allowed the vine to continue its cycle until the harvest. An occasionally irregular flowering and extremely dry conditions resulted in rather low yields in most situations.
Harvested early, the grapes were fully ripe and yielded generous wines.
Total vineyard area
15.75 hectares
Harvest terroir
clay-limestone hillside and clay-silt foothills
Grape varieties
82% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc
Harvest dates
September 7 to September 21
Winemaking
A brief overview of the winemaking process for this vintage.
Farming methods
Organic wine, Agriculture France, FR-BIO-01 Biodynamic wine, certified by ECOCERT France SAS
Maturation
75% in oak barrels, 25% in vats
Tasting
This 2020 Château Cartier is engaging for its clarity, through which bright red highlights gleam. The initial greeting on the nose reveals structure, freshness, and crunchiness. Subtle aromas of black cherries and wild berries invite the first sip. The palate is characterized by a gentle texture, quite smooth on the attack. In the background, a tighter, more restrained tannic structure brings tension and verticality for channeled energy. Beautiful length supported by a light, skillfully proportioned touch of oak. Peak maturity 2025-2028.
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