A strong effort from this Premiere Grand Cru Classe in St.-Emilion, the 2013 final blend of 80% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon hit 13.5% natural alcohol. The wine was made from grapes harvested October 7-18. About 5,500 cases were produced, which is far less than usual, but what’s there is impressive in this tough year. Dense, plum/purple in color, with a serious bouquet of graphite, black currants, kirsch, licorice and toasty oak, it is well-endowed, medium-bodied, and moving toward a fuller tactile impact and more texture than most wines. This has a long, supple finish and should be drinkable at a relatively early age. Look for this wine to come into its own in another several years and last for 12-15.
