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CLIMATE CONDITIONS IN THIS VINTAGE

The 2019 vintage will undoubtedly be remembered for the heatwave in late June and July The main difference compared to 2003 is that it unfolded intermittently. Once again, the specificities of our clay limestone terroir helped the vines, which coped with these unusual conditions thanks to its clay humus composition Overall, summer 2019 was highly beneficial to the vines. While we were expecting an early vintage, the weather conditions spread out ripening, resulting in a “ start to the harvest on the 26 th of September Fermentation unfolded relatively smoothly, with malolactic fermentation following on the heels of alcoholic fermentation. After several months’ ageing, the 2019 vintage boasts a distinctive character. The powerful tannins noticeable at the end of fermentation have somewhat softened, producing a well structured wine with aromas of ripe black fruit.

TASTING NOTES

Beautiful deep ruby red colour Aromas of sweet spices and red fruit come to the fore, underpinned by delicate oaky and toasty hints. Starts out smooth and fruity ( raspberry jam), before revealing notes of grilled almonds The tannins are incredibly elegant. All in all, a well balanced wine with a wonderfully long aftertaste.

HARVEST DATES

26 September 11 October
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CLIMATE CONDITIONS IN THIS VINTAGE

Winter 2018 will long be remembered for being particularly rainy. The year started off with a wet, windy month of January Despite the grey skies, temperatures were exceptionally mild Spring was also particularly rainy with several violent hailstorms giving rise to serious concerns. Frequent showers until early summer were conducive to the spread of mildew Constant attention was needed to curb the disease Then, a period of extremely dry and sunny weather set in from mid July onwards. Although delayed, the halt to vegetative growth post véraison was quick and abrupt due to the hot, dry summer Water resources in our clay limestone terroir were beneficial during this period Springtime fears therefore gradually gave way to a guarded optimism leading up to the harvest, followed by real enthusiasm by the time fermentation was complete. This vintage was a brilliant success, with deep, concentrated Merlots and classy, well structured, and delicious Cabernets The Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot complete this exquisitely harmonious blend.

TASTING NOTES

Deep, dark colour with bluish highlights. The nose offers a plethora of fruity aromas, accompanied by vanilla and toasty notes The palate is deep and concentrated, going on to reveal aromas of cocoa and fruity flavours. The tannins are incredibly powerful and elegant Balance is the buzzword for this wine, which has a brilliant future in store.

HARVEST DATES

28 September 13 October
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CLIMATE CONDITIONS IN THIS VINTAGE

The mild weather in February and March led to early vegetative growth. Low rainfall and significant sunshine in early spring were conducive to quick vine growth. April will long be remembered for two successive episodes of frost, which destroyed 30-50% of the 2017 crop in the Bordeaux wine region. As is often the case, the damage was not only significant but varied considerably. May was characterised by abundant sunshine with flowering spread over ten days in extremely favourable conditions. Fruit set was also quick and even. The weather was definitely summerlike in June with very high average temperatures. In contrast, July was less sunny than a usual month of September. Far from exceptional, the weather in August was in line with the monthly average thanks to a very hot start and end to the month. Rainfall in early September, which accelerated the harvest, was a cause of concern for winegrowers. The condition of the grapes was nevertheless very good overall with marked aromatic freshness yet only moderate polyphenol potential. The 2017 vintage is delicious and very attractive.

TASTING NOTES

Deep-purple colour with good intensity. The nose displays fruity and oaky aromas complemented by forest floor nuances. Black fruit aromas (prunes and cherries) then come to the fore, alongside elegant hints of oak accompanied by sweet spices. Starts out straightforward on the palate, with vanilla flavours underpinned by silky tannins. Black fruit notes and firmer tannins, which are likely to soften in years to come, follow through on the finish.

HARVEST DATES

19 September – 04 October
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CLIMATE CONDITIONS IN THIS VINTAGE

It is always somewhat risky to announce a second great vintage in a row without appearing unduly optimistic. However, 2016 is unquestionably remarkable, combining quality, quantity, and a very classic style. An incredibly wet spring was quite worrying for winegrowers at the time but later proved to be a godsend. The soil’s water reserves were largely reconstituted, enabling the vines to cope with the exceptionally dry, hot summer. The grapes finished ripening during beautiful, relatively warm weather, with very little rain and cool nights. This unhoped for, simply incredible weather for Bordeaux made it possible to harvest deeply-coloured, aromatic grapes with beautiful acidity. Extraction took place slowly and varied depending on the grape variety. Extractability was greater for the Cabernets than for Merlot – proof of excellent maturity in the later-ripening varieties. Colour was deep and the tannin in the seeds was most often ripe and of high quality in 2016.

TASTING NOTES

Deep, dense colour with a bluish rim. The complex bouquet displays a combination of red and black fruit aromas (fresh blackcurrant and morello cherry). Swirling in the glass unveils notes of white pepper and sweet spices accompanied by a very fruity bouquet and delicate hints of oak. Starts out fruity, full-bodied and solid on the palate, going on to reveal surprisingly silky and elegant tannins. The perfect balance between all these elements results in a smooth, fresh wine with a lovely long aftertaste that bodes well for the future.

HARVEST DATES

5th of October – 20th of October

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CLIMATE CONDITIONS IN THIS VINTAGE

The winter 2014-2015 was one of the sweetest of the last thirty years. The cold has yet settled for a month with 14 days of frost in February. The month of March was less watered than normal, followed by very good conditions in April with a regular bud break. The warmer and cooler periods alternated until the blossoming. The hot summer was punctuated by substantial rains after August 21, causing a rise in the berries. September was dry but without excessive heat and October, just as sunny, completed the last phase of maturation by improving the extraction of colored compounds without excessive loss of acidity.

TASTING NOTES

Beautiful garnet color which has brilliant reflections and great intensity. The nose, marked by hints of blackcurrant, evolves on the second nose to slightly smoky and woody aromas tinged with sweet spices and black fruits. Liquorice brings a certain freshness. On the palate the sweet and warm attack is very pleasant. The mid-palate, full and silky, does not erase a beautiful tannic structure that gives it character. The whole, very balanced and harmonious, finishes on a dominance of cherries notes. It is an elegant and distinctive wine.

HARVEST DATES

23 September – 8 October

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CLIMATE CONDITIONS IN THIS VINTAGE

The event that marked minds in Castéra on the night of 8 and 9 June 2014 was a hail storm
that destroyed a third of our vineyards. The plots that escaped this cataclysm provided
blossoms during the last days of May. Development was delayed by seasonally cool weather
in July and August, with some rainfall. The exceptionally hot, dry and sunny month of
September made up for the late start to 2014. A summery hot, bright and almost rain-free
month of October provided the finishing touches. As a result, the mixed weather conditions
present until the end of August will not allow 2014 to be one of the greatest red Bordeaux
vintages, but it can still be classed as a high-quality vintage. September and October saved
the vintage more than we could ever have hoped thanks to very beautiful Cabernets.

NOTES ON THE WINEMAKING PROCESS

Despite a mediocre month of August, a hot, dry and bright September in 2014 provided one
of the factors that contributes to a great red vintage: a full ripening of the different varieties
of grape. In addition, summer extended further into autumn with an exceptional month of
October, enabling the cabernets to fully ripen. The merlots resisted well thanks to the clay-
limestone soils providing them with water during the dry pre-harvesting period.

TASTING NOTES

Strong garnet colour, red disk. Smoky and toasty notes dominate the nose evolving towards
small red fruit, especially kirsch cherries. A sound body structured by well-balanced, full and
very fleshly tannins. Aromas of cherry and small bramble fruit. The finish provides a lovely
freshness that gives an airy quality to the wine.
It is a very pleasant wine dominated by fruit and freshness.

HARVEST DATES

29 September – 17 October

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CLIMATE CONDITIONS IN THIS VINTAGE

A combination of three factors made 2013 an unsuccessful year for producing a vintage red:
a damp spring leading to late blossoming and widespread flower abortion; violent
thunderstorms at the end of July and start of August preventing the stop of berry growth
before ripening; and wet and mild weather in September and October. This said, the cool
nights alternating with hot days at the end of the summer did enable grapes to redden
sufficiently. As a result, it was possible to produce colourful and fruity wines by applying the
following rules: careful selection of suitable terroirs, meticulous work on the vines during the
growing period, relatively low yields, very carefully sorted healthy grapes, quick harvesting
and precise vinification. The weather may have ruled out the possibility of producing a great
vintage year, but on certain terroirs, a mix of common sense and expertise still enabled us to
produce small quantities of pleasant red wines usually appreciated by Medoc enthusiasts.

NOTES ON THE WINEMAKING PROCESS

Predicting the future taste of a young red wine is a risky business, especially when the
harvesting season is late. It was all too clear that the weather conditions in 2013 would not
produce a great vintage. However, thanks to a very sunny and hot summer, we were able to
produce small quantities of a very pleasant, modestly coloured and charming wine, with soft
tannins and a freshness enjoyed by Bordeaux enthusiasts.

TASTING NOTES

Lovely raspberry colour with deep purple tints. The nose evokes red and dark fruit (fresh
blackcurrants) with a delicate hint of woodiness and vanilla. Agitation releases a lovely fresh
mentholated and peppery aroma. The attack is supple and crispy leading to an ample mid-
palate. Fine and pleasant tannins. The overall effect is one of immediate pleasure.

HARVEST DATES

2 October – 15 October

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CLIMATE CONDITIONS IN THIS VINTAGE

December was mild and rainy whereas the beginning of the New Year 2012 was dry
and cold. February was particularly cold with an average temperature of 5°C below to
the normal. In the middle and in the end of March, there were fresh episodes but still
without rain. Few weeks later, the spring becomes rainy which slow down the vine
growth, the first flowers appeared later in May. However, August was dry and warm,
the vine catch up on their late start to the season. The weather conditions go on during
all September which are favourable to the ripening of the grapes. This year finished by
a rainy autumn which conducted to a quick harvest. Despite all that, the harvest went
well, the 2012 vintage had a limited production but of good quality.

NOTES ON THE WINEMAKING PROCESS

Merlots planted on the clay limestone soil were successful. They are coloured, fruity,
concentrated and suave. Their roles have been determinant as for the cabernet franc.
Cabernet sauvignon grapes were a bit late concerning their ripening. However, those
planted on the Ordonnac terroir, had good quality despite the summer drought.
Finally, Petit verdot grapes gave good results.

TASTING NOTES

Beautiful garnet-red colour with cherry tint. Brilliant and limpid.
Nose is neat with a good intensity. Very fresh, red fruits, spices and fresh almond. A
nice touch of undergrowth.
The attack is supple evolving towards a pleasant tannic structure. It is a hearty, round
wine.
The final is long with cherry and mint aromas.
It is a very pleasant wine dominated by fruit and freshness.

HARVEST DATES

8 October 18 October

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CLIMATE CONDITIONS IN THIS VINTAGE

The winter 2011 was marked by a rain deficit (150mm relatively to the last 30 years)
and by a stronger cold (-3°C on average). The spring 2011 was exceptionally mild
especially in April which enabled a quick and early growth of the leaves (10 days before
in comparison with 2010). The blossoming period and the berry setting happened very
well and quickly with a very dry climate. This water deficit almost started a drought.
The earliness of the vegetative cycle made the red grapes appear at the end of July, a
month before it happened in 2010. July had a lot more rain than usual and cold
temperatures (19°C on average).This climate slowed down the appearance of the red
grapes, all our grapes were red by the end of August which was early, but enabled to
compensate for the lack of rain during Spring.However the sunny weather came back in
September, enabling the harvest of each plot at its maximum maturity, 10 to 15 days in
advance on average.

NOTES ON THE WINEMAKING PROCESS

The September climate enabled us to get very satisfactory technological, phenological
and tasty maturities. The vinifications echoed this balance and expressed fully the
quality of the terroir.

TASTING NOTES

The 2011 vintage has got a beautiful dark purple colour, marked by red and black fruits
aromas along with toasted notes. In mouth, the attack is rich and well balanced.
Powerful silky tannins can be felt at the end. The structure of this wine will enable it to
keep its balance throughout time and will reveal its refinement and its elegance.

HARVEST DATES

15 September – 29 September

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CLIMATE CONDITIONS IN THIS VINTAGE

Marked by three cold snaps, one in mid-December, one in early January and one in
mid-February, the winter of 2010 was as grey, long and harsh as that of 2009. Between
March and May temperatures never once rose above the seasonal average, leading to a
slight delay in the budburst. The return of fine weather in June encouraged a fairly
rapid flowering process followed by satisfactory berry-set. July was hot. The
colour-change started around the 10 th of August and the ripening process was ideal
for all the grape varieties thanks to the exceptionally dry months of August and
September. 2010 was actually the driest year of the decade, with the rainfall average
barely rising above 50 mm. The ideal harvesting conditions from start to finish allowed
us to pick each grape in each plot at optimum ripeness.

NOTES ON THE WINEMAKING PROCESS

The dry, sunny weather and cool nights favoured phenolic maturity. We had to wait for
exactly the right time to bridge the gap between grape ripeness and skin ripeness. The
2010 is one of the biggest successes of Château Castera. Its deep colour, complex
aromas and intense fruit all make it one of the estate’s spearhead vintages.

TASTING NOTES

With its beautiful deep crimson colour, this wine releases aromas of cassis and violets
along with scents of toast and vanilla. On the palate the attack is fleshy and supple,
giving way to a dense, well-structured middle palate. The elegant, long-lasting finish is
enhanced by beautifully mellow mature notes. Thanks to the power and complexity of
this wine it has great ageing potential, while its finesse will allow you to open it now if
you wish.

HARVEST DATES

September 30 th – October 18 th

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CLIMATE CONDITIONS IN THIS VINTAGE

Following one of the harshest winters of the last twenty years, the start of 2009 will
always be remembered for the devastating storm which struck on January 24 th. No less
important was the cold snap in early January which saw night-time temperatures plunge
below -10°C. It was late February before calm, sunny conditions returned. The buds
appeared in late March/early April, following a relatively dry March. April was very
changeable, with a good deal of rain. May, on the other hand, was positively summery,
with the last two weeks seeing high temperatures and frequent storms.
June provided perfect conditions for the flowering process, which began at Castera in
the second week of the month.
The summer turned out to be splendid, with warm temperatures but no heat wave, and
very few storms. The lack of rain slowed down vine growth a little in late July, with the
grapes beginning to ripen in mid-August.
The summer continued throughout September and into October: sunshine, warmth
and a lack of rain allowed the fruit to reach peak maturity.

NOTES ON THE WINEMAKING PROCESS

The dry, sunny conditions and cool nights gave the grapes time to ripen slowly and
steadily. The skin and flesh of the fruit arrived at full phenolic maturity with no
problems. Alcoholic fermentation was fairly brief, yielding a wine with a relatively high
alcohol content of 13.5%.
2009 is an exceptional vintage remarkable for its aromatic balance and power.

TASTING NOTES

A beautiful ruby colour with flashes of light.
Complex nose of dark fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry) and cherry. Some fruit jam notes
accented by sweet spices (cinnamon, vanilla) and a touch of coffee.
The attack is supple and warm, striking a good balance between power and freshness.
The cinnamon and dark cherry combine and reveal tannins which are smooth, powerful
and wonderfully mature.
The overall effect is one of great harmony, with a long finish which suggests a very
bright future.

HARVEST DATES

September 28 th – October 15 th

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CLIMATE CONDITIONS IN THIS VINTAGE

Like 2007, the year 2008 saw a mild winter. January and February were particularly
clement, with very little rainfall. March, on the other hand, was cool and wet, delaying
the budding of the vines.
With a springtime marked by fluctuating temperatures and precipitation, the reduced
temperatures slowed down vine growth and flowering, which did not finish until late
June. A cool spell in July and higher-than-average temperatures in August allowed the
fruit to make up for this slow start. September saw some rainy days, but nothing to
tarnish the quality of this excellent vintage.

NOTES ON THE WINEMAKING PROCESS

September’s changeable conditions, and the low yields caused by warm days and cold
nights during the harvest period, combined to produce a wine with a strong colour and
vibrant fruit, with a tannic structure worthy of a great vintage.

TASTING NOTES

With its intense ruby-red colour, the 2008 boasts a crisp, sparkling robe. The nose is
bursting with fresh red fruit. Agitation reveals some enticing spices, with notes of
vanilla and cinnamon.
The opening is fresh and aromatic, fleshed out by fine, silky tannins. The 2008 boasts a
superb balance of flavour and a great tannic structure. The second nose brings hints of
undergrowth and a more pronounced blend of spices.
The finish is very long, with a hint of woodiness. A very well constructed vintage,
which may surprise some people. Ready to drink now.

HARVEST DATES

October 6 th – October 18 th

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