2013 Clos Marsalette

Graphite, violets, savory herbs, tea leaves, menthol and licorice all meld together in a striking, vibrant wine loaded with complexity. The 2013 is distinctly floral and savory, but there is more than enough depth to balance those elements. Distinctly Syrah-like overtones linger on a close that is a bit tightly wound but super-impressive at the same time. This is a beautiful if somewhat atypical Pessac. The blend is 55% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc that spent 20 days on the skins. Yields were 25 hectoliters per hectare, by far the highest of any of the von Neipperg reds in 2013, but still low broadly speaking. Tasted twice.

Another major sleeper of the vintage from this property owned by the conscientious proprietor Stephan von Neipperg. Yields were 25 hectoliters per hectare, and the harvest occurred between October 1-10. Clos Marsalette consists of 13 acres of vines in Martillac, not far from Smith-Haut-Lafitte and Haut-Bailly. The final blend of 55% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc has produced a soft, sexy, seductive 2013 that goes against the tart, lightweight and untextured, poor examples of the vintage. This beauty will provide delicious drinking during its first 5-7 years of life. Lush black cherry notes intermixed with licorice, spice box, cedarwood and incense are present in this medium-bodied, supple-textured, velvety effort. Bravo! Aug 2014, www.robertparker.com