A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the 2013 is deep purple with a gorgeous nose of black cherry liqueur, mulberries, licorice, graphite and spring flowers. The wine is surprisingly full-bodied, round, with sweet tannin, real succulence, lush texture and a stunning finish. This is a major over-achiever in even great vintages, but in 2013 an effort like this is especially impressive. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.
With ridiculously low yields of 8 hectoliters per hectare, this nearly 11.5-acre vineyard, now a Premiere Grand Cru Classe, is situated high on clay and limestone soils above Pavie Decesse. The consultant who has been there since the debut vintage under the new ownership in 1996, is Stephane Derenoncourt. He has hit another home run with the 2013.