These two neighbouring cousins are no exception to the rule – inconsistency left right and centre! Probably the most challenging vintage since 2013. But 2021 was saved by its unusually long growing season. It began with budburst at the beginning of April and finished with harvesting dates that were spread out until mid-October due to an over-abundance of sunshine. This confluence of events obviously benefited the Cabernets more than Libourne’s ubiquitous Merlot. Here’s a run-down of what to expect.
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
98/100 Château Figeac: Very consistent, ripe, precise nose with soft, elegant oakiness. Beautifully sappy palate with structure and fruit that shows a rare degree of purity. A real success, already very convincing, probably magnified by the chateau’s unique blend.
97/100 Château Pavie: Very consistent nose with oakiness that is not too obtrusive. Fullness, fulfilment and generosity. Aromatic finish where the Cabernets give it their all. Superb!
96/100 Château Cheval Blanc: Tightly-wound, subtle nose with shy fruit. Ample, fleshy palate with very delicate tannins. The finish is well-established and needs to free itself from the influence of generous yet good quality oak.
94/100 Château Bellevue-Mondotte: Racy nose halfway between fruit and oaky notes. Dense, polished palate. Stellar quality tannins. A sense of fulfilment. Truly successful.
94/100 Arômes de Pavie: Expressive, youthful floral and fruity nose. Magnificent. Lovely sappy palate with ripe tannins and a great backbone which highlights the aromas.
94/100 Petit Cheval (by Cheval Blanc): The nose is focused and slightly reticent with an earthy touch. The palate is silky, full and harmonious in this very successful second wine.
Pomerol
93/100 Château Beauregard: Very clean, fresh nose. Structured, pure palate with impressive quality fruit at this stage. A successful example in this vintage.
92/100 Château Le Bon Pasteur: Focused nose, midway between fruit and oak. Concentrated, oaky palate which resonates with lovely fruitiness. Definitely great potential.
91/100 Château Clinet: Fairly fruit-forward nose with unobtrusive oakiness. Dense palate with prominent tannins. A solid, age-worthy wine with traditional aromatics.
91/100 Château La Croix de Gay: Restrained nose of ripe red fruits. Fleshy palate with lovely juiciness. Fresh and framed by ripe tannins. A solid wine, designed to last.
