19. Château Branaire-Ducru, St‑Julien (L) “The 2021 Branaire-Ducru has realized all the potential it showed en primeur . Wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries, plums, menthol, violets and baking chocolate, it’s medium to full-bodied, supple and suave, with a velvety attack that segues into a deep, fleshy palate. This is especially impressive in the context of the vintage.” Drink 2025 - 2041 94 pts, Wine Advocate 436681, 450120 6 bottle limit $100 20. Château Brane-Cantenac, Margaux (L) “The 2021 Brane-Cantenac offers up aromas of sweet dark berries mingled with mint, vanilla pod and spices. It shows its élevage and malolactic fermentation in new oak more prominently than it did en primeur . Medium to full-bodied, with good depth and concentration, it’s bright and velvety, with plenty of structuring barrel tannin and a vanillin-inflected finish. The quality of Brane’s terroirs and a strict selection shows through, so if it can digest its oak more completely, this will prove exceptional.” Drink 2025 - 2041 93 pts, Wine Advocate 411948, 450525 6 bottle limit $150 21. Château Brown, Pessac‑Léognan “This estate in the Bordeaux suburbs has produced a warm, ripe wine with layers of acidity to bring out freshness. The apple flavors are in the background of this generous wine. Drink from 2026.” 93 pts, Wine Enthusiast 434264, 435771 $75 22. Château La Cabanne, Pomerol “Sharp and high toned, tangy straight away with a hit of buzzy red fruit, it’s light but pleasurable, some slightly dry and salty tannins but overall this has a nice fun character with a juicy core. Not the longest but very approachable with a clean and pure finish.” Drink 2025 - 2040 91 pts, Decanter 425515 $100
2021 BORDEAUX
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