La Capitelle de BaronArques - Limoux 2013

A late harvest; the grape picking began on October 11. The nose is somewhat closed, with notes of peony and rose. On the palate, it is dense and, at this stage, quite austere in terms of tannins, but with serious potential.

A deep understanding of the terroir (43 hectares of clay-limestone soil) enables the production of well-rounded wines. The blend varies from vintage to vintage, combining Atlantic grape varieties (Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon) with Mediterranean varieties (Syrah, Malbec, Grenache). The Chardonnays produce some of the appellation’s finest white wines. A new barrel cellar, inaugurated in 2018, supports the estate’s growth and ambitions. Managed like a classified growth, it is a sure bet.

In 2015, this estate dropped the apostrophe from its name to become simply Baronarques. It presented this cuvée, which the producer considers his second wine: the blend contains no Cabernets (for this 2013 vintage, 58% Merlot, complemented by Syrah and Malbec); it is aged partly in tanks and partly in barrels. A second wine? For tasters, it stands out from the crowd, just like the 2011, which was previously recognized. With an intense, deep red color, this vintage offers a nose centered on red fruits and cherry, accented by spices, and proves excellent on the palate, with an elegant attack, ample, structured body, and vibrant aromas of jammy red fruits, tinged by the barrel with hints of mocha. Fruit, structure, and complexity.

Formerly owned by the Abbey of Saint-Polycarpe in the 17th century, this estate (now 43 hectares) was acquired in 1998 by Baroness Philippine de Rothschild (Château Mouton-Rothschild in Pauillac) and her two sons, who completely renovated both the vineyards and the winery, turning it into one of the appellation’s most reliable wines.