2013 Tertre Roteboeuf

94 POINTS

Tim Atkin MW

Even in a year like 2013, Tertre Roteboeuf doesn’t show its 100% new oak, partly because of François Mitjaville’s skill as a winemaker. This is typically floral and textured with notes of plum, Asian spices, blackberry and a herbal, almost Syrah-like note.

93 POINTS

Neal Martin - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The Tertre-Rôteboeuf has an extremely pure and minerally bouquet. Perhaps I am being subliminally influenced seeing François dip his pipette into the barrel, but it does have a Pinot Noir-like expression (something that François concurred with.) Initially, the palate does not divert you away from that geographical assumption, the tannins very Burgundian, almost like a fine Musigny. There is certainly good weight and intensity in this Saint Emilion: superb tension all the way to the finish whose structure finally reveals its true origin. There is just a hint of confiture on the after taste that prolongs the length. This is an endlessly fascinating, perhaps mercurial wine from Francois. This is one of the best wines in Saint Emilion.

90 POINTS

James Lawther MW - Decanter

A little more elegance this year but still the classic opulence and aromatic complexity. Suave texture and very attractive fruit.

90 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

A dark, sumptuous beauty, the 2013 Tertre Rotebeouf boasts gorgeous texture from start to finish. Black cherry, plum, cloves, mocha, dark spices and new leather are all very much alive in the glass. The 2013 impresses for its length and overall polish. Naturally, the structure of a great year is missing, but all the elements are in the right place. The blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Points: 89-92

Neal Martin - Vinous

The 2013 Tertre-Rôteboeuf is another vintage that I have not tasted for a while. It has a light, slightly tertiary bouquet with mushroom and attic-like scents and vestiges of fruit in the background. This is not complex but it shows no dilution. The palate is balanced with delicate tannins and tobacco notes infusing the lightweight red fruit tones that attenuate toward the finish. Drink this soon. Tasted at Château Valandraud.

Richard Hemming MW - JancisRobinson.com

Sweet oak, juicy black fruit, peppery and rich. Has the restraint of 2013, which I think is flattering for this style. Generous without being forceful. Lovely delicate perfume. Ever so fine tannins – stippled texture. Score: 17.5/NaN

Julia Harding MW - JancisRobinson.com

First tasting, blind: Very oaky nose. More mocha than fruit. On the palate, the oak is even more dominant though there is fruit sweetness underneath.Second taste, sighted: Slightly deeper than the Roc de Cambes but still quite a bit of brick at the rim – colour quite evolved. On the nose some oak sweetness but nowhere near as dominant as on the first bottle. Smells a touch bloody/meaty but has a seductive sweetness to the fruit. Tannins are chalky but less compact that on the Roc, more velvety. Score: 16.5/NaN

Ian D'Agata - Vinous

Good deep red-ruby. Wild aromas of roasted red fruits, violet and minerals, plus a whiff of nutty oak. Broad and supple but juicy too, with red fruit, ink, earth and leather flavors saturating the palate. Firm acidity really lifts and extends the flavors on the long, vibrant finish. Displays much less showy torrefaction than usual for this property, but those who prefer their claret refined and graceful will find much to like.