The beginning of winter was particularly rigorous in 2009. The Champagne region saw intermittent snowfall, and temperatures remained quite low. Spring was warm but rainy. The weather did not encourage flowering and there was a threat of mildew.
The summer, despite stormy periods that raised concerns that the health of the vines might suffer, was dominated by sunshine, especially in August. The weather remained hot, dry and very sunny for five consecutive weeks. On September 4 a hailstorm hit the vineyards in Hautvillers, Verzenay and Chouilly. The summery weather returned the very next day, however, and the grapes continued to ripen in complete serenity.
The harvest thus began on September 12 under absolutely idyllic conditions. The grapes showed exceptional health and their maturity, underlined by a wonderful aromatic expression, was superlative.