2013 Cote de Baleau

A major sleeper of the vintage and a very strong effort from this property that was sold to the Cuvelier family of nearby Clos Fourtet and their estate in the Medoc, in Moulis - Chateau Poujeaux. This is a blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon. Cropped at 35 hectoliters per hectare, only 5,000 cases were produced. The Cuveliers have brought much more fruit in the wine, slightly more texture and richness, and this is clearly a successful 2013 and a sleeper of the vintage. Dense purple color, lots of blackcurrants, spice, forest floor and a touch of graphite are all present in this beauty, which is reasonably priced and a noteworthy accomplishment in this troubled year. Aug 2014, www.robertparker.com