A complex year -something of an obstacle course
Blend
Château Kirwan
73 % Cabernet Sauvignon
13 % Merlot
8 % Cabernet Franc
6 % Petit Verdot
Charmes de Kirwan
42 % Merlot
25 % Cabernet Sauvignon
19 % Petit Verdot
14 % Cabernet Franc
Description
Unlike 2021, which we were able to compare with other vintages, 2022 appears to be unprecedented in many respects. Made up of contrasts and excesses, it shows us how much climatic variations impact our activity. The winter of 2022 was the coldest in ten years, followed by a marked drought from January to May. There was a threat of frost at the beginning of April, so we protected our plots with lanters. In May, temperatures rose, leading to early flowering at the end of May. Limited rainfall in June was followed by very hot weather in July and August, with 30 days at over 30°C (86°F), which reduced the size of the berries. The young vines suffered from the lack of water, but the clay soils held up better than the sandy ones. The decision to bring the harvest forward to 5 September, a record early date, helped preserve the freshness of the fruit. 2022 is characterised by low yields, but high concentration.
