Château Cheval Blanc
A disastrous year in which no Cheval Blanc was produced. The wet, cold weather was totally uncooperative this year. The wine was poor and thin, and sold off in bulk as generic Saint Emilion.
A disastrous year in which no Cheval Blanc was produced. The wet, cold weather was totally uncooperative this year. The wine was poor and thin, and sold off in bulk as generic Saint Emilion.
Weather conditions and vine’s growing cycle
Temperatures and rainfall
Temperatures were just about normal from April to July, and the July was especially sunny. However, this was only an illusion since the following months were a disaster. August and September were cool and extremely wet, while the grapes were ripening, with precipitation respectively 95 and 115 mm more than usual! Although October was in keeping with seasonal averages, the damage had already been done…
Water balance
Heavy showers in June and record rainfall in August ruined any possibility of water stress – a vital factor for producing quality juice.
Growing season
| Begin | End | |
| 1963 harvest dates | October, 1st | October, 16th |
|---|---|---|
| Average harvest dates: 1946-2014 | September, 24th | October, 8th |
Features of the vintage
Ripening and yields
The wet, cold summer weather ruined any chance of producing fine wine. That is why it was decided not to sell any wine under the Cheval Blanc label that year.
Furthermore, yields were rather poor. The wine was sold in bulk to négociants, who marketed it as generic Saint Emilion.
| 1963 yield (hl/ha) | Average yield: 1946 to 2014 | |
| 32.2 | 33.9 | |