Weather conditions
2013 will go down in history as a year of unstable, capricious weather. A cold, wet winter, followed by a cool, rainy spring, delayed the vegetative cycle and disrupted flowering.
In sharp contrast, July and August were particularly warm and sunny, with rainfall well below average. Heat peaks of 38°C led to violent thunderstorms at the end of July.
September continued to suffer from a lack of water, favoring even ripening of the berries. The Cabernets showed great promise. The grapes reached satisfactory sugar levels and good acidity potential.
At Château d'Armailhac, harvesting began on October 1st and ended on the 14th, with the exceptional help of staff from the Société Baron Philippe de Rothschild, who were called in to reinforce the harvesting troops. More than 130 people answered the call, and on October 9th, 695 meals were served in the harvest refectory! An all-time record..
Carefully sorted, the berries were transported from the crates to the gravity-fed vats in the Château d'Armailhac vat room.
Despite one of the lowest production levels of the last twenty years, the quality is there, thanks to draconian selections.
The 2013 vintage is watched over, shaped and worked to bring out the best.
Tasting notes
The wine reveals a garnet-red color with vivid purplish highlights.
The nose is pleasant and fresh, with hints of fresh fruit and crisp redcurrant aromas.
The attack is firm and elegant, followed by a fleshy, full-bodied mid-palate. Structured tannins reveal a dense framework.
The finish is long and elegant, providing a fine overall balance.
