The 2013 Château Massereau Graves Rouge is a distinctive, organically and biodynamically farmed Bordeaux from the Graves appellation in southern Bordeaux. Owned by the Chaigneau family, Château Massereau has earned a strong reputation for low-intervention winemaking, producing wines with authenticity, freshness and a clear sense of terroir. The 2013 vintage was a challenging year in Bordeaux, but careful vineyard work and strict selection resulted in a wine that offers classic Graves character with maturity and charm. The blend is based primarily on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, aged in French oak and bottled with minimal intervention.
The nose reveals blackcurrant, blackberry and dark plum alongside cedar, tobacco leaf, dried herbs and subtle earthy notes. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and savoury, with mature dark fruit, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity providing structure and balance. Notes of graphite, forest floor, spice and a touch of bell pepper add complexity and reflect both the Graves terroir and the vintage. With over a decade of bottle age, the wine is showing attractive secondary development while retaining impressive freshness.
Ben’s Recommendation:
A fascinating mature Graves that offers a more artisanal and terroir-driven expression of Bordeaux. Elegant, savoury and beautifully evolved, it pairs wonderfully with roast lamb, duck, beef bourguignon, mushroom dishes and aged cheeses. Drinking beautifully now after a short decant, it should continue to provide enjoyment over the next 3–5 years as its earthy and tobacco nuances become more pronounced.
