Chateau Tour Bel Air Haut Medoc 2013

Region: Bordeaux, France

Grape Varieties: 60% Cabernet-Sauvignon & 40% Merlot

We continue to believe that the greatest values in the world for red wine are from Bordeaux. The region is producing a lot of wine and declining demand is creating a lot of problems for producers. In fact, in 2024 the growers in the region ripped out almost 20,000 acres of vines to try and balance supply with demand. Nevertheless, a lot of wine sits in warehouses in Bordeaux that is now perfectly ready to drink and provide great bargains for those who can move quickly. We found this wine a couple of weeks ago and bought the Florida allocation, a whopping 10 cases, so get it while you can.

This is a classic example of mature, but not old, Bordeaux. The blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, aged in French oak barrels for 11 months before bottling. The 2013 was a warm vintage so this is a relatively powerful wine for the category, showing the perfect combination of aged complexity and ripe fruit aromas. After a half hour or so in the decanter this wine displays notes of toasted dried strawberry, walnut shells, tobacco, leather and cherry preserves. The dimension on the palate is incredible, with layers of earth, oak and fruit intertwined into a long, smooth finish. Drink this wine over the next two to three years with a New York or sirloin steak, or slow braised pork shoulder.