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THE 1997 VINTAGE
Throughout winter and spring, the weather was capricious, alternating between mild temperatures and extreme cold. On June 11, flowering began in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The summer of 1997 was hot and dry, providing excellent ripening conditions but comparatively small yields, under 1,800 pounds per acre. Harvest commenced on September 22. During the entire harvest, the weather was warm, dry and summery but with cold evening temperatures which encouraged a delicate acidity.
THE 1996 VINTAGE
A mild and sunny January was followed by cool and cloudy weather in February and March. April was the sunniest to date, and blooming occurred mid-month. Early May saw frost accompanied by rain and hail. June was once again warm, and flowering began on the 21, however, a fall in temperatures caused "millerandage," or "partial crop set." The remainder of the summer was rainy and hot; fortunately, the first week of September unfolded under beautiful blue skies. Harvest commenced in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger on September 23 when the grapes had ripened to full maturity, rich in sugar with high acidity.
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