The 2015 harvest has represented the highlight of a climatically interesting year, with very high temperatures in July though much cooler in August. This had an influence on the fruit ripening process, managing to keep the balance between biochemical and taste parameters. An early evaluation of the grape during the harvest leads to think that it will allow the production of great wines.

Every year, every harvest is different. This vegetative cycle started in dates similar to the average at Dehesa del Carrizal in the last 10 years. The shoots appeared following its usual course; however, a warmer spring sped up the cycle.

The hot weather in July, reaching maximum temperatures of 35ºC, affected the physiological growth of the plant: it slowed down. This meant losing the advances experienced until June. Fortunately, the temperatures became milder after mid-August; thus, the grape ripening process was extended.

Finally, the peak of ripeness was achieved a few days later than the average in the last years and the fruit showed excellent biochemical parameters. At the end of August, the Chardonnay harvest started; it took place at two different times so that each plot was harvested at its best ripening moment. From mid- September onwards, picking restarted in the plots with the varieties Merlot, Tempranillo and most of Syrah. The last plots to be harvested were Petit Verdot, some vines of Syrah requiring more time and Cabernet Sauvignon.

After an interesting and distinctive harvest, it is time to work hard and focus the effort in the winery in order to obtain singular wines, able to transmit our terroir. Like every year, it will be a complex task, but we have already taken the first essential step to produce top quality wines: obtaining top quality grapes.