Château Cheval Blanc 1965

Château Cheval Blanc

A disastrous year for Cheval Blanc and all of Bordeaux. The rot caused by September showers spoiled the crop. There was no Cheval Blanc whatsoever this year. Instead, it was all sold as generic Bordeaux.

A disastrous year for Cheval Blanc and all of Bordeaux. The rot caused by September showers spoiled the crop. There was no Cheval Blanc whatsoever this year. Instead, it was all sold as generic Bordeaux.

Weather conditions and vine’s growing cycle

Temperatures and rainfall

The temperatures during the first three months of the growing season were close to average, with limited rainfall. July and August were rather cool, followed by a catastrophic month of September. Torrential showers fell on Bordeaux, accompanied by temperatures 2.2°C lower than usual.

1965 : TEMPERATURES AND RAINFALL COMPARED WITH NORMAL VALUES IN SAINT-EMILION

Water balance

In order to grow well, the vine needs for water stress to set in slowly so the grapes to ripen well and become concentrated. In addition, heavy showers in September had a negative effect on the crop.

1965 WATER BALANCE

Growing season

Although the vegetative period went well until late August, torrential rain in September compromised the quality of the crop. Grey rot then attacked the vineyard, making it out of the question to produce great wine.
The yield was 21 hectolitres per hectare with 11.5 percent alcohol – the lowest since 1933.

Begin End
1965 harvest dates October, 4th October, 16th
Average harvest dates: 1946-2014 September, 24th October, 8th

 

Features of the vintage

Ripening and yields

1965 yield    (hl/ha) Average yield: 1946 to 2014
20.9 33.9

 

 

Although the fine weather in May was promising, this was followed by period of cold and wet that continued until September.  Lasting from the 4th to the 16th of October, the harvest was tiny and the rare grapes that were picked were underripe and lacking in aroma.