Bistro Freres Wines      HARVEST 2005    | home | area | history of its wine | our story | vineyards | purchase | contact | | 2004 harvest | 2005 harvest | early 2006 report |   The 2005 Harvest The 2005 growing season was long, sunny and cooler than normal which resulted in lower yields - down 40% from 2004 - but grapes of perfect ripeness and concentration. Our early tastings lead us to believe that our wines from this vintage, while less in quantity will be exceptional in quality. Richard Case, of Domaine Pertuisane, began making our wines this vintage. Our initial tasting in March 2006 was encouraging, and our recent tasting this summer confirmed the quality. The juice from la Florine was smooth, complex, deep and elegant. It promises to make an exceptionally fine wine, reminiscent of old-style Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Unfortunately there will be only one barrel (24 cases) made. The juice from our other vineyards is also of extremely high quality, so we are looking forward to a Sanglier Volant that is intense yet fresh and vibrant.