Robert Parker: his tasting notes for the 2013 Bordeaux Primeurs
Bordeaux Primeurs 2013: Robert Parker comments on his ratings
You have had the opportunity to read Robert Parker's notes on the Bordeaux Primeurswith very good grades particularly on the dry and sweet white wines and rather contrasting and average scores for the reds.
Here are the critic's comments.
On the great white wines of the 2013 vintage
"White wines are very fragrant with persistent fruit notes and a fairly high level of acidity. They are clearly superior to the reds. Dry white wines are excellent.My colleague Neal Martin has published a comprehensive report on the 2013 vintage white wines. Sauternes The tastes I've had lead me to believe this is a remarkable vintage. château d'YquemThe 2001, which will be released later, is undoubtedly one of the best I have ever tasted. It seems to me to be in every way equal to the 2001, which remains for me the... absolute perfection."
Regarding the red wines of the 2013 vintage
In a way, 2013 was the most difficult vintage to produce since 1992, 1991 and 1984. However, the quality of the 2013 vintage wines has nothing to do with that produced during those difficult years, so much so that ongoing research into quality has been conducted by all the teams in the field: hard work in the vineyard and ultra-selective sorting practiced by the Grands Châteaux. The climatic conditions were difficult, with a difficult flowering due to the cold and rain, then a tropical summer and rain at the worst possible time, namely in September during the harvest.
The best options then consisted of not over-extracting during vinification, and producing a charming and fresh wine, at the expense of excessive concentration.
The 2013 vintage wines have a lower alcohol level compared to previous vintages, although they can sometimes reach 13%. The aromas tend to reveal more red than black fruits, and the acidity is lower than that observed in earlier vintages. The best 2013s are charming, fruity, and have a relatively short aging potential., to be enjoyed relatively soon within the next 10 years.
Regarding the release prices of the 2013 En Primeur wines, Robert Parker regrets the overly cautious positioning of the Châteaux, which he believes should have offered prices at least equal to or lower than those of the 2008 vintage.
As a reminder, we wish to present the castles that have implemented a realistic positioning and for which our committee has granted 4 stars in wine investment rating :