Chateau Saint Jean de Beard 2013 St. Emilion Grand Cru

Ok, so 2013 was a not so hot year in Bordeaux among many really solid vintages. So what does that mean? It means wineries cut production drastically, perhaps they put all of the fruit into a second label wine instead of a Grand Vin. It also means that the wine they make is going to mature much faster than it would if it were from an excellent vintage.

Here's a prime example. The St. Emilion Grand Cru appellation doesn't have a great reputation for nothing. These are some of the best vineyards in France. Chateau St. Jean de Beard is a second label of the family owned La Chapelle Beard. It's located near some truly renowned properties and holds its own quite nicely. It has mature vines averaging 40 years of age and the clay and limestone soils are ideal for early ripening Merlot. This blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Fermentation was in temperature controlled tanks and then the wine aged in French oak barrels for 18 months.

On release Gilbert & Galliard said about it "Beautiful dark color, young reflections. Powerful nose of black fruits, stone fruits, discreet woody touch. On the palate, a structured wine, quite opulent, with frank aromas. A very successful 2013." The additional bottle age has brought on a wave of tertiary aromas and flavors to this wine. If you're a lover of forward fresh fruit notes in your Bordeaux, this is not the wine for you. This one shows, dried cherry, cured tobacco, wet earth and hints of spice. The tannins are fully resolved leaving a smooth velvety texture that only comes with proper bottle age. Don't wait, enjoy it now while it's charms are still evident. Limited!!