2013 Vintage Assessment

Looking at the vintage from the perspective of the Cote de Nuits there is no two ways about it that it was a complex growing season (though not as complex perhaps in the main as it was where we are in the Cotes de Beaune).  The winter through the end of 2012 into 2013 was pretty mild with temperatures higher than the seasonal norm though, we did have plenty of rain.  The spring continued to be a wash out delaying bud-break and causing flooding in many vineyards and flowering was extended through to the end of June. As a consequence of poor weather and delayed flowering, millerandage (very small grapes) and Coulure (fewer berries per bunch) were much in evidence.

The Cote de Nuits did not suffer from the hail storm that hit the Cote de Beaune on 23rd July striking hard especially in Pernand Vergelesses, Savigny Les Beaune, Beaune, Pommard, Volnay and part of Meursault where some lost as much as 90% of their crop. In July the weather improved and was at time hot though with August came cooler weather and September brought rains during the first 10 days but then remained somewhat cool but dry.

2013 was a late harvest with the whites starting mainly during the first week of October though, some estates started in the last week of September. In the Cote de Nuits especially, Pinots were not really ripe until the end of the first week of October with many picking through the latter part of the month. Clearly, those who worked diligently in the vineyards and performed careful triage faired best in 2013.

Undoubtedly, the vintage was challenging for many including some in the Cote de Nuits. Quantities in general were low and even in the Cote de Nuits, some estates were down by 30% or so. During this tasting it was clear that many see it is a “Vignerons” vintage and my impressions are in line with all the tastings of 2013’s that I have previously undertaken, in general many wines have turned out very well. The best growers have produced some wines that show excellent potential with no signs of any greenness or under ripe fruit. The best of the wines are attractive and fruit-driven, delicious, charming and round with supple tannins and silky textures.  Interestingly, most of the growers I spoke to felt that the 2013’ would be relatively earlier-drinking especially when compared with the 2012’s and 2010’s.

I may be out of kilter with many commentators but, I think it is too easy to get hung-up on vintage. Clearly, each year brings its individual elements that either provides greater challenges or bestows certain advantages but essentially to my mind grower and vineyard are always more influential.

My notes are made as an independent taster and I have no allocations for the 2013’s tasted and therefore, have no commercial reason for either promoting or otherwise the following wines.

The Tasting