Alsace

2003 was a test of resilience for the vignerons of Alsace, who fought against the elements from budbreak to harvest.

Early challenges emerged with a disrupted flowering phase. 87mm of rain during the bloom caused significant *coulure* (shatter), naturally lowering yields and concentrating the energy into fewer bunches. However, the threat of frost loom large, with 11 distinct cold snaps keeping vineyard managers on high alert during budbreak.

Summer conditions were balanced, oscillating between warm spells and refreshing intervals that kept the ripening on a steady track.

The finale was fraught with tension. A deluge of 94mm during the harvest period forced an expedited picking schedule to mitigate botrytis risks, rewarding those who sorted ruthlessly.

**Style:** Classically proportioned wines with good balance and terroir expression.