Chateau De Ricaud 2016

CHÂTEAU DE RICAUD 2016, CADILLAC-CÔTES DE BORDEAUX The remarkably diverse soils and conscientious work in the vines adapted to the needs of each parcel, tempered the effects of the vintage’s contrasting and at times excessive weather conditions. Over the course of the first six months of the season, rainfall set unprecedented records. This, combined with mild temperatures, offered little reprieve from the occasionally worrying disease pressure, which thankfully became less of a problem with the welcome return of dry, very sunny weather in summer. The first signs of veraison were slightly delayed, appearing mid-August, though progress was considerably slowed by pronounced water deficits, with practically no rain throughout July and August. Welcome rains mid-September triggered ripening in the reds to spectacular effect. Each parcel was picked at a leisurely pace, waiting patiently until 14 October for the last Merlots to attain optimum ripeness, and 25 October for the Cabernet, which