2013 Chateau Tertre Roteboeuf, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

A dark, sumptuous beauty, the 2013 Tertre Rotebeouf boasts gorgeous texture from start to finish. Black cherry, plum, cloves, mocha, dark spices and new leather are all very much alive in the glass. The 2013 impresses for its length and overall polish. Naturally, the structure of a great year is missing, but all the elements are in the right place. The blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.

Good deep red-ruby. Wild aromas of roasted red fruits, violet and minerals, plus a whiff of nutty oak. Broad and supple but juicy too, with red fruit, ink, earth and leather flavors saturating the palate. Firm acidity really lifts and extends the flavors on the long, vibrant finish. Displays much less showy torrefaction than usual for this property, but those who prefer their claret refined and graceful will find much to like.