Bordeaux En Primeur 2021

Tasting Notes

Bordeaux Blanc Sec The wines are generally very aromatic and refreshing with lovely fruit definition, richness and mineral length. Ch Haut-Brion Blanc, Ch La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc and Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, all from Pessac-Léognan were all very good. But watch out for the prices! Having observed Bordeaux for many years now, I think the 2021 vintage is one of the most fascinating. The complexities of the growing season, the surprising quality of the wines, market sentiment, possible media friction and the geo-political scene all conspire to make this year’s primeur campaign unpredictable. This will inevitably lead to controversy and polarised opinions. But for those who love Bordeaux, 2021 will be remembered as a classic year and many of the wines will develop beautifully.

Saint-Estèphe

Château Cos d’Estournel 96–97 Deep crimson. Intense dark chocolate, blackcurrant brambly aromas with inky graphite notes. Superbly concentrated wine with deep-set pure blackcurrant, blackberry confit fruits, fine graphite/ vigorous textures, superb mid-palate density and underlying malty/ spicy oak. Very chocolaty with a leafy tannin plume. Superb fruit definition, complexity and precision. 64% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 4% cabernet franc, 2% petit verdot. 55% new French oak barriques. 12.74% alc Château Montrose 96–97 Deep colour. Classic blackcurrant cedar mocha aromas with herb garden/ sage notes. Ample blackberry, cassis, briary fruits, fine dense velvety/chocolaty textures and plentiful cedar roasted chestnut notes. Very pure fruited with superb tannin richness, precision and vigour. Finishes al dente firm and bittersweet with saturated dark berry fruits. Lovely density and complexity – should develop very well. 62% cabernet sauvignon, 31% merlot, 6% cabernet franc, 1% petit verdot. Château Calon-Ségur 95–96 Medium-deep crimson. Intense dark berry, blackcurrant elderberry dark chocolate aromas. Blackberry, malt, nutmeg vanilla notes and fine grainy al dente tannins. Finishes firm with bittersweet notes. Very impressive concentration and mineral length – a sleeping beauty. 81% cabernet sauvignon, 11% cabernet franc, 7% merlot, 1% petit verdot. 20 months in 100% new French oak barriques. Les Pagodes de Cos (de Château Cos d’Estournel) 95–96 Deep crimson. Dark plum blackcurrant wax polish praline aromas. Generous dark berry/ sweet fruit flavours, fine chocolaty/ velvety textures, attractive mid-palate volume and integrated savoury/ vanilla notes before a bittersweet finish with an inky plume. Superb tannin quality and should last the distance. 25% new French oak barriques. 12.49% alc

“Drought, fears, and finally relief thanks to the fortunate late season conditions” Chateau Pontet-Canet

The Vintage Journal – International Series

Bordeaux 2022

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