Château Grand Village, Rouge, Bordeaux Supérieur, 2013
This is undoubtedly the most impressively endowed Grand Village we can recall tasting, boasting aromas of crisp blueberry fruit, cracked cocoa, ferrous rocks and hints of oyster shell. It is powerful, yet mouth-watering and civilized on the palate, with a firm yet silky tannic network supporting the fresh, crisp, mineral soaked fruit. The overall impression is a wine that is far too grown up and serious for the price tag. It is a really impressive drink right now, and should continue to evolve and develop for several more years.
critic reviews
The 2013 Acte 5, the first vintage to include selection massale Cabernet Franc from Château Lafleur, has a very conservative and quite earthy bouquet, nicely defined if just missing a little vigour due to the challenging growing season. It seems a little static at the moment, a bit lethargic in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and a fine bead of acidity, actually better than the nose suggests. Harmonious and lithe, it gradually deepens with blackberry pastille and a hint of salted liquorice on the finish that I notice becomes leafier with time. It ends up better than anticipated, a 2013 handicapped by the aromatics. Tasted at the Acte vertical in London.
The 2013 Grand Village has a light red cherry and bergamot-scented bouquet, the Cabernet Franc showing through nicely. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, a little dryness here perhaps, easy-drinking with a dash of spice on the finish.