2013 Chimney Rock Elevage
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Tasting notes
The 2013 Proprietary Red Blend Elevage, a blend of 53.3% Merlot, 33.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, comes in at 14.8% natural alcohol. Deep ruby/purple, beautiful fruit and an elegant style that seems to serve as an impressive crossover between a traditional Bordeaux and the riper Napa Valley style. The wine has soft tannin, burgeoning complexity and is impressive. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2013 Red Blend Elevage, Chimney Rock's Merlot-based blend, is pretty restrained for the year. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, spice and new leather are all given an extra kick of brightness from the floral notes that are woven throughout. Drink this expressive, open-knit wine over the next handful of years.
The 2012 Red Blend Elevage holds considerable appeal. A dark beguiling beauty, the 2013 is pliant, explosive and intense from start to finish. Remarkably light on its feet for such and opulent wine, the 2012 impresses for its depth and pure resonance.
The 2013 Elevage is open in its aromatics but has plenty of depth and supple Merlot tannins that bring it all together. Plum, red cherry, spice, leather and white chocolate are pushed forward. There's a lot of new oak here (90%), but it works well for this bottling.