2013 St. Emilion Wines, Tasting Notes, Comments, Images and Reviews

St. Emilion has its fans and its detractors. Count me in as one of the fans. 2013 St. Emilion is not big, bold, concentrated, opulent and bursting at the seams with ripe, ostentatious fruits like you would find in 2009 or 2010. 2013 St. Emilion wines are at their best, the product of low yields and severe selection. This helped produce, quiet, bright, cherry filled and refined wines in their early drinking character. I bring this up because there are numerous tasters, writers and good friends of mine that are not happy with the styling’s and character experienced in numerous St. Emilion wines from 2009 and 2010. Those tasters wishing for a vintage where the producer took their foot off the gas will like many of these wines.

2013 St. Emilion is a vintage that required a light touch during the vinification and demands the same during the aging period. That is exactly what several producers did as there are some very strong wines in this vintage. On the other side of the 2013 St. Emilion coin, clearly there are wines that were made with a heavy hand. Those wines are dry and often woody. They were not fun to taste in their youth, and I doubt they will offer more pleasure when they reach maturity.

For a summary and overview of the 2013 Bordeaux Campaign so far… 2013 Bordeaux Vintage and Futures Campaign Summary

2013 St. Emilion will be remembered for more than its wines. Sadly, at the start of the tastings, Christine Valette of Troplong Mondot passed away. Better memories were made with the opening of two, completely, renovated chateau and the debut of an exciting new, Right Bank wine, Chateau Poesia, from Helene Garcin Leveque produced its debut vintage. Chateau Angelus with its completely modernized, from to bottom look and Chateau La Dominique with its bright, red, reflecting, mirrored wall and staircase which can been seen for miles were both proudly showing off their new styling’s.

Almost every 2013 St. Emilion wine has been priced as of today. Knowing the intense difficulties the estates endured during the growing season, numerous chateau worked harder than ever to produce the best wine possible, as evidenced by my tasting notes. Sadly, I wish more chateaux had worked equally hard on understanding the true current market conditions and demand for their wine. At the end of the day, the 2013 St. Emilion wines priced above the real market demand will languish and eventually become discounted before selling through. The 2013 St. Emilion wines priced at the level the market is willing to pay will find new fans and a place on restaurant wine lists.

OK, off the soap box and on to the 2013 St. Emilion wines…

2013 Adaugusta – Light in color and medium bodied with a light cherry core, this wine should be consumed young. 84-86 Pts

2013 Angelus – From a blend of 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Franc, truffle, chocolate-covered cherry, earth and spice box aromas are coupled with soft, silky tannins and a medium-bodied finish filled with silky, dark red berries and cocoa. From yields of 28 hectares per hectare, the Grand Vin was produced from 65% of the harvest. The wine reached 13.1% alcohol. According to Hubert de Bouard, it is the best Burgundy they have ever made. 91-93 Pts

2013 Les Asteries – From 83% Merlot and 17% Merlot, the wine reached 12.8% alcohol with a pH of 3.49. Minerally, floral and black cherry aromatics move quickly to a stone-driven, black raspberry layer of fruit and stone. 88-90 Pts

2013 Ausone – Deep garnet in color with crushed rock, black raspberry liqueur and flowers on the nose. Sweet, luxurious, sensuous and velvety, this wine pleases the palate with a burst of ripe plums. The oak is completely integrated. Finally, an Ausone that does not demand decades to come around! With a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot, the yields were only 22 hectoliters per hectare. The wine is aging in 85% new French oak. The Grand Vin represents 67% percent of the harvest. 93-95 Pts

2013 Chapelle d’Ausone – With crushed stone and black raspberry on the nose, this petite and pretty wine showcases finesse, freshness and delicate, ripe cherries. Blending 60% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is aging in 85% new French oak. 88-90 Pts

2013 Balestard La Tonnelle – With licorice, black cherry and cocoa, this soft, early-drinking, medium-bodied wine has minerality and an open red berry finish. 88-90 Pts

2013 Barde Haut – With fresh herbs and polished black cherries, this round, forward and fresh wine leaves you with dusty tannins in the finish. From a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.45. 89-91 Pts

2013 Beau-Sejour Becot – Deep ruby in color with a nose of licorice, espresso, clay and black raspberry, the wine is medium bodied with an accessible, soft personality. The wine is fresh, spicy and finishes with sweet black cherries. From a blend 73% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine reached 14% alcohol, and yields were 27 hectoliters per hectare. 90-92 Pts

2013 Beausejour Duffau-Lagarrosse – The silky fruit borders on opulent with its layers of sweetness and polish. There is a real sense of purity in the fruit from start to finish. This would be a strong wine for most chateaux in any vintage, but it’s a miracle in 2013. From yields of 25.75 hectoliters per hectare, the Grand Vin represents 43% of the harvest. Blending 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, the fresh wine is aging 50% new French oak. 93-94 Pts

2013 Bel-Air-Ouy – Light in color with an oaky, floral and spicy berry character, this will show best on release. 84-86 Pts

2013 Belair-Monange – Spice, earth and red fruits lead to supple tannins and a soft, spicy black raspberry finish. Forward in style, this will be fun to taste young. 91-93 Pts

2013 Bellefont-Belcier – Medium bodied, soft and fresh, this wine shows sweet cherries and espresso, more volume, flesh and complexity than the 2012. From a blend of 77% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine reached 13.5% alcohol and is aging in 80% new, French oak. 88-90 Pts

2013 Bellevue – Using 100% Merlot, there is an earthy smoke, licorice and black cherry quality to this forward-styled, medium-bodied, open wine. 89-91 Pts

2013 Bellevue Mondotte – One of the deepest colored wines of the vintage, with notes of licorice, espresso, black cherry and toast, the wine has a polished texture in its tannic black and blue fruit finish. Produced from miniscule yields of only 9 hectoliters per hectare, this is a very strong wine for the vintage. The wine is aging in 100% new French new oak. 93-94Pts

2013 Berliquet – 74% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc produced a wine with mineral, oak, coffee and sweet cherry notes. Medium bodied, soft and forward, the finish is bright and spicy. 86-88 Pts

2013 Cadet Bon – With fresh red berries and fennel, this medium-bodied, forward wine finishes with red plum and cherries. 85-88 Pts

2013 Canon – With a hint of oak, flowers and dark cherries, the wine is medium bodied, sweet, soft and forward in style with a light, fresh red berry and spice finish. Using 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc for the blend, the wine reached 13% alcohol. The Grand Vin represents 53.6% of the production. The wine is aging in 70% new, french oak. 89-91 Pts

2013 Croix Canon – With light, fresh red fruits and spice, this easy-to-drink wine is perfect for restaurants. 85-88 Pts

2013 Canon La Gaffeliere – Chocolate-covered plum, brioche, espresso and black cherry scents get your attention. Medium bodied and soft, but lacking the depth of flavor that comes from Cabernet Franc in the blend, the wine will deliver pleasure early in life. Blending 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine reached 12.9% alcohol with a pH of 3.6. The yields were 10 hectoliters per hectare, which is the lowest yields since they declassified the wine in 1991. The wine is aging in 70% new oak. 90-92 Pts

2013 Cap de Mourlin – This nose is tight and requires coaxing to find its aromatics, while the palate delivers spicy red berries and cherries, medium body and a light style. 85-88 Pts

2013 Le Carre – Smoky black cherries, coffee bean and licorice segue into an abundant helping of bright fruit and a saline, cherry finish. From a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.4% alcohol and pH of 3.64. 88-90 Pts

2013 Le Chatelet – Light in color with a light, bright—almost transparent—level of red fruit. 82-84 Pts

2013 Cheval Blanc – Ruby in color with flowers, licorice and sweet, fresh red and black plums, the wine is the essence of silky elegance with its soft, polished textures. Lacking the density found in the best vintages, the fruit is pure, clean, sweet and fresh, leaving you with an impression of ripe, clean red fruits. Blending 53% Cabernet Franc and 47% Merlot, the yields were 19 hectoliters per hectare. The wine reached 12.85% alcohol with 3.7 pH. 60% of the harvest was placed into the Grand Vin. 92-95 Pts

2013 Le Petit Cheval – Blending 79% Merlot with 21% Cabernet Franc produced a light, ruby-colored wine with a cherry blossom character complicated by fresh herbs. Soft, bright and already open for pleasure, the finish is spicy and fresh. 86-88 Pts

2013 Chauvin – Pleasant and easy to drink, this lighter styled wine will offer its cherry and spice profile on release. 87-89 Pts

2013 Clos Badon Thunevin – From 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.5% alcohol and offers notes of vanilla bean and dark cherry, an open personality and a sweet, tart and plummy finish. 88-89 Pts

2013 Clos des Baies – Made and owned by Philippe Baillarguet, the cellar master of Chateau Ausone, this blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc delivers a sweet mouthful of spicy, fresh black raspberries and earth. This is the first time I’ve tasted this wine. It was a pleasant surprise, especially when you consider the vintage. 87-89 Pts

2013 Clos de Sarpe – Crushed rocks, flowers, licorice and kirsch liqueur aromas get you going. Intensive mineral sensations with fresh, juicy plums leave a long, rich impression on our palate. This would be a success in any vintage, but it’s a real accomplishment in this difficult vintage. From yields of only 8 hectoliters per hectare, this blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc reached almost 15% alcohol. If prices are fair, this is worth taking a look at, especially on release. 92-94 Pts

2013 Clos Dubreuil – Jammy black raspberry, cocoa, licorice, vanilla and earth lead to a medium-bodied, round-textured wine with juicy plum and cherry notes in the finish. Blending 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13% alcohol. From low yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare, 58% of the harvest was placed into the Grand Vin. 89-91 Pts

2013 Dubreuil Chardonnay – Debut vintage of this 100% Chardonnay. From the team at Clos Dubreuil, the wine pops with lemon, orange and grapefruit aromas. Zippy, but a bit short in the citrus finish. Only 50 cases were produced. Over time, the production will increase to 500 cases. 83-85 Pts

2013 Clos des Jacobins – With floral and plum notes in the nose, there is a softness in the mouth, finishing with black raspberries and some dryness in the finish. 86-88 Pts

2013 Clos Fourtet – Long, silky and lush with ripe fruit, licorice and minerality, the black cherry and fennel flavors carry through from start to finish. From 87% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine reached 13.1% alcohol, with a pH of 3.48. From yields of 18 hectoliters per hectare, the Grand Vin represented 60% of the harvest. The wine is aging in 60% new oak. 91-93 Pts

2013 Clos de l’Oratoire – Cigar box, licorice and black cherry fruits are quickly followed by a soft, medium-bodied finish with sweet red and black plum. From 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.2% alcohol. From yields of 17 hectares per hectare, the wine is aging in 40% new French oak. 88-91 Pts

2013 Clos La Madeleine – Earth, oak and smoky cherries, medium bodied, with a mineral driven, cherry and fennel finish. 88-90 Pts

2013 Clos Nardian – Grapefruit, lemon, floral and orange aromas open into a fresh, zippy, light and chalky lemon finish. From a blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon and 10% Muscadelle. 90 Pts

2013 Clos Romanile – From 100% Merlot, this tiny one-hectare property produced a smoky, licorice and black cherry wine with plush textures and a nice core of black plums. 88-90 Pts

2013 Clos St. Julien – A tight, mineral-driven nose opens into a medium-bodied wine that ends with stone, raspberry, fennel and cherry. From a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13% alcohol. Interestingly, the wine is usually dominated by Cabernet Franc, but not in this vintage. The production is down by 70%. 87-89 Pts

2013 Clos St. Martin – Soft, polished and plush with plums, cherries, licorice and espresso bean in the nose, this round, forward, medium-bodied wine was made from a blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine reached 13.5% alcohol, with pH of 3.8. The yields were 28 hectoliters per hectare. This is all about finesse on the palate. 89-91 Pts

2013 La Clotte – Fresh, open, soft, and vinified for early drinking, this has an easy-to-like, plush character with dark cherries and cocoa. 88-90 Pts

2013 La Commanderie – Soft and open in character, the wine is brimming with light red berries, while the finish is all about the bright red fruits and herbs. 85-86 Pts

2013 La Confession – Licorice, cherry griotte and vanilla aromas open to a soft, medium-bodied, red berry-filled wine with a fresh, ready-to-drink character and chalky tannins. From a blend of 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.65% alcohol from yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare. The wine is aging in 60% new oak barrels. 88-91 Pts

2013 Cote de Baleau – 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon produced a medium-bodied, simple, light, bright wine with red berries and powdery tannins. 84-86 Pts

2013 Corbin – The spicy red berry and spearmint bouquet opens to a medium-bodied, fresh, light wine with sweet cherries that continue through to the finish. From a blend of 87% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13% alcohol and is aging in 40% new French oak. 87-89 Pts

2013 La Couspaude – Garnet in hue, the wine showcases espresso bean, licorice, black cherry and hints of jam in the aromatics. Medium bodied, forward and soft, this easy-drinking wine is infused with cocoa and dark red berries and will be drinkable on release. 88-89 Pts

2013 Croix de Labrie – Fresh plum, earth and cocoa aromas move to a soft, round wine that will be fun to enjoy in its first 5-7 years of life. 88-90 Pts

2013 Dassault – Spicy red berries, oak and fennel scents are enhanced by the mineral-driven, bright red berry and licorice finish. From a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. 88-90 Pts

2013 Daugay – From a blend of 65% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is light, fresh, soft, open and focused on its bright red fruit character. 83-85 Pts

2013 Le Dome – With licorice, chocolate, plum and floral notes on the nose, the wine is fresh, spicy, medium bodied and plush with a soft chocolate, red plum and stone-driven finish. From 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot, the wine reached 12.9% alcohol with a pH of 3.65. The yields were 26 hectoliters per hectare. 90-92 Pts

2013 La Dominique – Freshly picked strawberries, chocolate and black cherry jam aromas spring forth. Coupled with silky, soft textures, the deeply colored wine leaves a smooth, fresh, cherry-filled impression. Blended from 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13% alcohol. 89-91 Pts

2013 Edmus – Sweet black raspberries are in this easy-drinking, forward style. 86-88 Pts

2013 Faugeres – Light in color and medium bodied with good freshness in the soft strawberry and cherry finish. Drink this bright wine on the young side to get the most from its fruit, as this is not built for aging. 87-89 Pts

2013 Ferrand Lartigue – With spicy, bright red berries and licorice in its personality, this is an easy-drinking, light styled, fresh wine. 83-85 Pts

2013 deFerrand – Light, sharp, bright red fruits and dusty tannins are coupled with the fresh, crisp, red fruit finish. 83-85 Pts

2013 Figeac – Ruby in color, with a nose of chocolate, coffee bean and raspberries, the wine is medium bodied, soft, bright and completed by sweet, fresh cherries. From a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.7. The wine is aging in 100% new French oak. I am not sure why there is so much muss, fuss and fear over bringing in Michel Rolland. The team of Rolland and Frederic Faye are clearly helping the estate as this is  a very successful wine for the vintage. Far too many writers and consumers should not live in the past. They should actually taste the wines before deciding on if they like a wine, or not. It will be interesting to see what happens at Figeac when the next great vintage arrives. 90-92 Pts

2013 Fleur Cardinale – Deep garnet in color with licorice, coffee bean, flowers, stone and spicy, plum scentsthe wine offers a supple, plush, polished and sweet finish brimming with boysenberry, fresh cherry, spice and cocoa. The wine was made with a blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and reached 13.5% alcohol. After sorting, the yields were only 16 hectoliters per hectare. The wine is aging in 100% new French oak for close to 12 months. 91-93 Pts

2013 Croix Cardinale – Not made in 2013

2013 Secret de Cardinale – not made in 2013

2013 Fombrauge – The smoky, licorice and jammy berry nose leads to a forward, medium-bodied, short finish with fresh red berries. 87-89 Pts

2013 Fonbel – Herbs, strawberry and spice are in the nose, followed by a medium bodied, crisp, bright cherry finish. Blended from 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot, the wine is aging in 30% new French oak. 86-88 Pts

2013 Fonroque – Herbs, cherry and olives are at the center of this light, spicy and bright red berry wine. 84-86 Pts

2013 Fonplegade – This shows good color for the vintage along with its truffle, tobacco, spice and black raspberry aromas. Soft, polished and round, this has a nice sensation of minerality paired with the fresh, black raspberry finish. 90-92 Pts

2013 Franc Mayne – Fresh herbs, fennel, red berries and light density, this forward wine will offer its red fruit personality on release. 87-89 Pts

2013 La Gaffeliere – Fresh blackberry, boysenberry, licorice and oak kick off the wine. Improved by the soft palate presence, the finish remains in the mocha and cherry mode. From a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the wine is aging in 50% new French oak. 88-90 Pts

2013 Guadet – From yields of 14 hectoliters per hectare, the blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc produced a black raspberry and oak-filled wine with surprisingly good density for the vintage. Clearly, this property is benefiting from the team of Stephane Derenoncourt. The property was certified biodynamic with the 2013 vintage. 86-88 Pts

2013 Godeau – Plummy with oak and herbs, the wine is medium bodied, lightly tannic and will be best in the first 4-7 years of life. 86-88 Pts

2013 Gracia – With licorice, coffee bean and smoky plums, this deep-colored, fleshy wine is soft and approachable, leaving you with lingering, sweet, dark cherries. From a blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon , the wine reached 14% alcohol. With low yields of only 15 hectoliter per hectare, only 300 cases were produced this year. 92-94 Pts

2013 Les Angelots Gracia – Only one barrel was produced in 2013 and the wine was understandably not available for tasting.

2013 Grand Corbin Despagne – Light in color and fruit with an herbal, red berry finish, this will require consumption early in life. 82-84 Pts

2013 Grand Corbin Manuel – Red plum and herbeaceous in nature, this medium-bodied wine has olive and cherry notes in the dry finish. 82-84 Pts

2013 Grandes Murailles – From low yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare, this 100% Merlot wine reached 13% alcohol. Cherry, coffee bean and licorice accents accompany soft tannins, while the finish shows fresh black raspberries and oak. The wine is aging in 100% new oak and will be ready to drink on release. 87-89 Pts

2013 Grand Mayne – Licorice, coffee bean and plum are on the nose, backed with a medium-bodied, lighter, fresh style of wine with a juicy plum finish. Produced from a blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. 88-90 Pts

2013 Grand Pontet – Light, open and lacking in volume, this plummy wine will be best in its youth. 85-87 Pts

2013 Haut Brisson – From low yields of 10 hectoliters per hectare, this easy-drinking wine is soft, light and forward, showcasing smoky berries and licorice. This will be best in its youth. 86-88 Pts

2013 Haut Brisson Reserve – With black raspberry, coffee and licorice on the nose, the wine has good freshness to the fruit and some weight on the palate, which comes from yields of only 8 whopping hectoliters per hectare. Vinified with a light touch, the wine leaves you with soft, delicate raspberries in the finish. From 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.25% alcohol. 88-90 Pts

2013 Jean Faure – With smoky red fruits, the medium-bodied wine has a chalky finish. 83-85 Pts

2013 La Fleur Morange Mathilde – With a nose of boysenberry, licorice, coffee bean and cocoa, the wine is fleshy and fun. It’s going to be easy to drink on release. Produced from 100% old-vine Merlot, this remains one of the top value wines of the Right Bank. 89-91 Pts

2013 La Fleur Morange – Oaky with juicy black raspberry and black cherry, the wine offers sweet fruit, balance and round textures but with a little bit too much oak. Aging in 100% new French oak, the wine is comprised of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc and reached 13.7% alcohol. Only 200 cases were produced in this difficult vintage. 90-92 Pts

2013 La Marzelle – Sharp plum and bright red berry flavors end with a tangy, cherry finish. 83-85 Pts

2013 Laforge – Using 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 12.8% alcohol and delivers an aromatic profile of coffee bean, smoke and plum. The wine is soft, smooth, open and fleshy. The finish is a bit too short, else this is a very nice wine. 88-90 Pts

2013 Larcis Ducasse – With floral and fresh cherry character, the wine is medium bodied, soft and open, sporting a center of black cherry, licorice and stone that carries all the way through. From yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare, the wine blends 84% Merlot with 16% Cabernet Franc. 90-92 Pts

2013 Larmande – Medium bodied and lightly concentrated, the wine has a soft cherry and licorice core. 86-88 Pts

2013 Laroze – Oak, licorice, spice and plum aromas deliver a medium bodied-wine that finishes with dusty cherries. 86-88 Pts

2013 Lucia – Licorice, coffee bean, kirsch liqueur and pepper on the nose open to a flowery, spicy, red berry palate with a definite oaky presence in the finish. 87-89 Pts

2013 Lusseau – From a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine reached 13.2% alcohol and is aging in 50% new French oak. Licorice, oak and red plum fade into a medium-bodied, early-drinking sweet, tart finish. 86-88 Pts

2013 Lynsolence – This 100% Merlot wine delivers truffle, licorice, espresso and blackberry aromas, medium body, a soft entry and a dusty, black raspberry finish. The wine is aging in 100% new French oak. 88-89 Pts

2013 Magrez Fombrauge – With effort, licorice, black cherries and dark chocolate—along with oak—come to the surface. There is a polish to the texture in the oaky, chocolate, black cherry finish. Produced from a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. 90-93 Pts

2013 Magrez Fombrauge Blanc – Produced with one of the highest percentages of Sauvignon Gris used in Bordeaux, the wine is bright, crisp, fresh and floral, finishing with a vibrant citrus finish. 92 Pts

2013 Monbousquet – Licorice, spicy red berries and oak are present in the attack, which carry through to the oaky, sweet cherry finish in this difficult vintage. The wine is aging in 60% new French oak. 87-89 Pts

2013 Monbousquet Blanc – Refreshing lemon and pomelo in character, this soft, juicy wine finishes with a blast of grapefruit in the citrusy finish. 90 Pts

2013 La Mondotte – Smoke, cherry blossom, truffle and dark cherry aromas open the perfume. There is a good level of richness, minerality and depth of flavor and color that’s present from start to finish. Give this a few years and it should show better. From 100% Merlot, the wine was produced from yields of only 8 hectoliters per hectare. The wine reached 13.7% alcohol with a pH of 3.35 and is aging in 100% new French oak. 92-94 Pts

2013 Montlabert – Forward, medium bodied and correct, this early-drinking wine delivers spicy, bright red fruits and fennel. 86-87 Pts

2013 Moulin St. Georges – Raspberry and floral notes open this fresh, delicate, soft and bright wine that concludes with fennel and red fruits. Blending 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc, the wine was produced from yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare and is aging in 85% new French oak. 87-89 Pts

2013 du Parc – With fresh raspberries, oak and a medium-bodied red cherry and plum character, this wine will be best young. 85-87 Pts

2013 Pavie – There is a beautiful sweetness to the ripe fruit that was extremely difficult to find in 2013. With a blast of plum, boysenberry and dark chocolate, the wine has rich fruit and texture that really carries through from start to finish. The wine reached 13.26% alcohol, which should please detractors of riper vintages of Pavie. 93-94 Pts

2013 Pavie Decesse – Fleshy with notes of black raspberry, plum, spice and espresso, the wine has good concentration of dark chocolate and fruit but with some dryness in the mineral-driven finish. From yields of 8 hectoliters per hectare, the wine reached 13.23% alcohol and is aging in 80% new French oak. 90-92 Pts

2013 Pavie Macquin – Smoke, mineral and stone complement the long, sweet boysenberry and dark chocolate finish. Blending 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine produced low yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare. The Grand Vin represents 80% of the harvest. 91-93 Pts

2013 Peby Faugeres – Plum and licorice scents segue into fresh, plump, black plum and chocolate accents. The wine offers good weight, density and ripeness for the vintage. From 100% Merlot, the wine reached 13% alcohol and is aging in 70% new, French oak. 91-93 Pts

2013 Petit Gravet Aine – With stone and cherry character, the wine has an intense sensation of minerality in the black cherry finish. Normally, this wine has a high percentage of Cabernet Franc in the blend, but this vintage is comprised of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Only 1,100 bottles were produced this year from a production that is usually closer to 8,000 bottles. 88-90 Pts

2013 Pierre de Lune – 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc produced a forward, soft, approachable and round wine brimming with smoke, fennel and red plums. 87-89 Pts

2013 Poesia – The debut vintage for this wine is rich, fat, lush and luxurious, this sexy wine has a serious level of density and tannins. Produced from a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine reached 13.5% alcohol, with a pH of 3.50. The yields were only 8 hectoliters per hectare. This wine from Helene Garcin Leveque is going to be something you will want to keep track of on a going forward basis. 91-93 Pts

2013 de Pressac – Floral and light red berry aromas move to a medium-bodied, open, easy-to-drink, cherry-filled character. This will be best to drink on the young side. 87-89 Pts

2013 Le Prieure – Licorice, red plum and oak are found in this easy-drinking, medium-bodied wine. 85-87 Pts

2013 Quinault L’Enclos – Not produced in 2013 due to severe damage from the hail storms.

2013 Quintus – Blending 50.5% Merlot with 49.5% Cabernet Franc, the wine offers raspberry and floral notes with bright cherry and fennel in the elegant, crisp, fresh finish. 88-90 Pts

2013 Rochebelle – Light in color with crisp red fruits and a bright, tangy finish. 83-85 Pts

2013 Ripeau – This early-drinking wine showcases light red plums and licorice. 83-85 Pts

2013 Roc de Boisseaux – Blending 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc produced a wine with fresh raspberries and cocoa, medium body, freshness and a light cherry character. 84-86 Pts

2013 Rol Valentin – With spicy plums, fennel and a light mocha and red berry finish, this should be ready to drink on release. 87-89 Pts

2013 Sansonnet – Forward with licorice and black cherry charms, this round, open, plush wine will be fun to drink on release. From a blend of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.5% alcohol and is aging in 70% new, French oak. 89-91 Pts

2013 Saintayme – From 100% Merlot, the medium-bodied, spicy, red berry wine is an early-drinking, well-priced quaffer that is perfect for restaurants. 84-86 pts.

2013 La Serre – Light ruby in hue, the wine is earthy, sweet and focused on bright red cherries in the finish. Already open, drink this young. 84-86 Pts

2013 Simard – Light in color and style, the spicy red cherry and strawberry character will be best enjoyed in its youth. Blending 65% Merlot with 35% Cabernet Franc, the wine is aging in 30% new French oak. 84-86 Pts

2013 Soutard – Truffle and black raspberries make an appearance once past the initial oak in the nose. Medium bodied and easy to drink with sweet red cherries and spice in the middle, this wine will be enjoyable in its youth. 88-90 Pts

2013 Tertre Roteboeuf – Truffle, barnyard, licorice, espresso bean, black cherry, smoke and jam make up the aromatics. On the palate, the wine is rich, silky and soft, offering a density of flavor, freshness and sweet, ripe plum that was difficult to achieve in this vintage. From yields of 15 hectoliters, the wine blends 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. In 2013, Tertre Roteboeuf was only able to produce 30% of their normal production. The wine reached 13.9% alcohol with a pH of 3.8 and is aging in 100% new French oak. Picked between October 16 and October 18, this is one of the latest harvests for this individualistic estate. This would be a good wine any vintage, but in 2913, this is a miracle! 93-95 Pts

2013 Teyssier – With a cherry, spearmint and fennel personality, this ready-to-drink Bordeaux finishes with soft, spicy and bright red plums. Using 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc in the blend, the wine reached 12.7% alcohol. 86-88 Pts

2013 Trimoulet – From 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the wine shows a lot of fresh, bright and spicy red berries. 84-86 Pts

2013 Trotte Vieille – Medium-bodied with an oak, red cherry and black raspberry nose, this lighter style of St. Emilion, produced from a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon should offer pleasure on release. 88-90 Pts

2013 La Tour Figeac – Ruby in color with a kiss of oak, earth, herbs and black raspberries, the wine is medium bodied with sweet dark cherries and chocolate in the finish. Finesse in style, drink this young for the fruit. From a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. The yields were 20 hectoliters per hectare, with the Grand Vin made from 50% of the harvest. The wine is aging in 50% new oak. 89-91 Pts

2013 Tour Saint Christophe – Mineral-driven with oak and plum notes in the nose, the wine features a sweetness to the fresh, medium-bodied dark red fruits that should improve with age. From a blend of 82% Merlot with 18% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.3% alcohol. The wine was produced using micro-vinification techniques. This is an estate to watch for in future vintages as the terroir is great and the owner, Peter Kwok has a spare no expense attitude and the drive to make the best wine possible. 88-90 Pts

2013 Troplong Mondot – The last vintage for Christine Valette and the first vintage I have ever tasted without her being present. Christine passed away at the start of the 2013 tastings. Deep in color, with a boysenberry, chocolate, licorice and earthy nose, the wine is fleshy with a polished and mineral-driven personality of black plum, licorice and chocolate-covered boysenberry personality. From a blend of 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13.7% alcohol, with a PH of 3.45, which will please all the tasters that have complained about high alcohol levels. The wine delivers a fond farewell and is worth a 100 Pts in memory for all the great vintages from Christine Valette.  92-93 Pts

2013 Valandraud – Flashing one of the deepest colors in this vintage, the wine showcases sweet chocolate-covered black raspberry, licorice, smoke and oak. Plush, rich boysenberry, licorice and cocoa, with an exotic note of orange rind in the finish. Made from 100% Merlot, the wine reached 14% alcohol with a pH of 3.5. The wine was produced from yields of 32 hectoliters per hectare. Only 40% of the harvest was used in Valandraud. 92-94 Pts

2013 Virginie de Valandraud – Oak, licorice, chocolate and cherries are followed by a medium/full-bodied, fresh blast of plum and oak. 88-90 Pts

2013 Valandraud 3 de Valandruad – Ruby in color with coffee, light red berries and a forward, open, easy-to-like personality. 87-89 Pts

2013 Vieux Chateau Mazerat – Black licorice, coffee bean, vanilla, mint and smoke transition to an interesting, fresh and stony layer of blackberries in the finish. Blending 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 12.8 % alcohol with a pH of 3.69. The wine is aging in 80% new French oak. 89-91 Pts

2013 Vieux Lartigue – Light in color with a raspberry and fennel nose, the easy-drinking wine finishes with sweet red cherries. 84-86 Pts

2013 Villemaurine – With a coffee bean, spicy red berry and stone personality, this wine is light on its feet and will be drinkable on release with its sweet cherry charm. 88-90 Pts

2013 Yon-Figeac – Light in color and character, the wine focuses on the fruits’ bright character. 82-83 Pts