The 2013 vintage in Burgundy was definitely challenging. The weather conditions throughout the growing season were not ideal, with a cool and wet spring followed by a hot and dry summer. This resulted in a smaller crop size and uneven ripening of the grapes.
For the red wines, the harvest took place in October, which is quite late compared to usual. This delayed harvest meant that the grapes had less time to fully ripen, resulting in lower sugar levels and higher acidity. As a result, some of the red wines from 2013 may be lacking in depth and richness.
However, despite these difficulties, there are some wines from this vintage that show great potential. The best producers in Burgundy were able to carefully manage their vineyards and make the most out of the challenging conditions. These wines, although rare, have the potential to be truly exceptional and thrilling when they reach maturity.
I remember tasting some 2013 Burgundies a few years ago and being pleasantly surprised by their elegance and purity. While they may not have the opulence and richness of other vintages, they displayed a certain finesse and delicacy that was quite captivating.
In terms of specific appellations, it is important to note that some areas were more affected by the challenging weather than others. The Côte de Nuits, known for its Pinot Noir, seemed to fare better than the Côte de Beaune, which is more focused on Chardonnay. The red wines from Gevrey-Chambertin and Nuits-Saint-Georges, for example, showed good concentration and structure despite the difficulties of the vintage.
Ultimately, the 2013 vintage in Burgundy is one that requires careful selection and knowledge of the producers. While not every wine from this vintage will be exceptional, there are certainly gems to be found for those willing to seek them out. It may be a vintage for the true Burgundy enthusiasts and collectors, as the scarcity of these exceptional bottles will make them even more special.
The 2013 vintage in Burgundy was a challenging one, but it also offered the potential for some truly exceptional wines. The late harvest and difficult growing conditions resulted in smaller yields and wines with higher acidity. However, the best producers were able to overcome these challenges and produce wines with finesse, elegance, and concentration. While these wines may be rare and hard to find, they have the potential to be thrilling and captivating when they reach maturity.