En Primeur Bordeaux 2021

The 2021 vintage in Bordeaux has produced lovely, medium-bodied reds that will not require decades in the cellar before they are ready to drink. The wines display energy and freshness with alcohol levels about 1% lower when compared to 2018, 2019 and 2020. This was not a powerful, blockbuster vintage like we’ve come to expect from Bordeaux or the Rhone Valley in recent years. Instead, it appears to be a return to a more classical style of Bordeaux, perhaps reminiscent of what the region produced throughout most of the 1990s. The 2021s should be ready to drink once they are released in bottle in about two years’ time and we like the sound of them!

"The 2021 Bordeaux have turned out to be such a surprise. Weather conditions were challenging, and yet the top properties turned out gorgeous, classically built wines that will absolutely thrill readers who appreciate freshness and energy. Restrained alcohols and mid-weight structures will remind readers of Bordeaux pre-2000s. The best wines offer a striking combination of old-school classicism with modern-day precision."
- Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2022

2021 looks to be a brilliant vintage for the dry whites. Thanks to cool conditions, the whites have good acidity and vibrant aromatics. These could well be the best dry whites since the 2017 vintage.

Despite the challenges of the growing season, Sauternes has turned out exceptionally well in 2021. Yields were down severely, but the wines have energy and richness and should be highly appealing to sweet wine lovers.