2016, full of surprises… As we are starting blending sessions of this 2016 vintage and will present the first samples to the wine trade at the Salon des Vins de Loire in Angers, let’s look back at  the specificities of this surprising vintage… A mild and very wet winter (january -february) followed by very similar pattern in spring resulted in warm soils and early bud burst … leaving the young bunches vulnerable to one of the worst frost episode in recent years on the early morning of 27th of April, sadly destroying a large area of Pouilly-Fumé appellation. Flowering at the end of June was successfull despite the weather conditions. Following this record rainfalls and hectic winter conditions, we experienced a severe drought throughout July and August, leading to water stress in some areas and vines slowing down their development. Thankfully we had a few rainfalls by mid September which were just enought to accelerate the ripening and vine maturation process. Indian summer with beautiful days and cool nights was perfect to wait for the right maturity and balance. Harvest at Domaine Lebrun started on 6th of October… As of today the different wines are showing a lot of purity, a bright and crisp fruit, and the balance and length worthy of the best classic vintages of the appellation.