Château Charmail 2013

2013 was a challenge from start to finish. A rainy spring gave way to an unseasonably cool summer, followed by fierce storms that threatened to disrupt the vineyard’s balance. Fortunately, Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne’s gravel and clay-limestone soils helped mitigate waterlogging, allowing the vines to stay resilient despite the erratic weather. Though Merlot suffered from coulure and uneven ripening, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot thrived under the late summer sun. The cooler conditions resulted in a lighter vintage, with fresh acidity and delicate tannins.

Harvest in 2013 was not without its drama. Starting on October 1st, the team raced against impending storms. Sorting in the vineyard became essential as each grape was carefully selected for quality. Cabernet Sauvignon ripened later than expected, while Petit Verdot, benefiting from the late sunshine, reached its optimal condition. The team worked quickly, often picking between rain showers, and focusing on capturing the best expression of each variety.

In 2013, precision and patience were key during vinification. Cold maceration for 15 days allowed for delicate extraction of aromas and color. Fermentation temperatures were carefully monitored to avoid overpowering the wine’s natural elegance. Extraction was stopped early, keeping the tannins smooth and allowing the wine to retain a lightness that reflects the cool conditions of the vintage.

For the 2013 vintage, Charmail aged in 225L barrels, with 25% of them being new. This vintage leaned on its time in oak for structure and texture, yet the winemaking team was careful not to overwhelm the wine’s delicate profile. The goal was to let the lightness of the vintage shine through, with soft notes of vanilla, cedar, and a hint of smoke elevating the naturally elegant fruit.