2013 Clos la Madelaine

This property on a south/southwest-facing hillside is quite small, just under six acres, and sits near the Moueix estate of Belair-Monange. If you are driving through St.-Emilion, it is a spectacular sight. The final 2013 blend of 77% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Franc achieved 13% natural alcohol. A sleeper of the vintage, the wine has an abundance of mulberry, black cherry and red and black currant fruit, cedar wood notes, underbrush and a hint of loamy soil (or perhaps that’s a variation of chalky minerality). Yields were healthy at Clos La Madeleine of 31.3 hectoliters per hectare. This medium-bodied, supple-textured wine should drink well for another decade or more.