36. Château Cheval Blanc, St-Émilion Grand Cru (L) “The 2021 Château Cheval Blanc has turned out beautifully in bottle, and director Pierre-Olivier Clouet even considers it to be superior to the 2020, a preference that I share. Wafting from the glass with aromas of mulberries and cherries mingled with incense, iris and rose petals, framed by a deft touch of new oak, it’s medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a velvety attack that segues into a rich, concentrated mid- palate framed by sweet, powdery tannins and concluding with a long, penetrating, rose-inflected finish.” Drink 2027 - 2055 97 pts, Wine Advocate 430187, 434189 2 bottle limit $1,600 37. Chevalier de Lascombes, Margaux “It feels like the second wine hasn’t been pushed or overworked as much as the grand vin. This is calm and controlled, nothing too out of place, blackcurrant fruit with a cool, salty edge to the tannins. Not so demonstrable or compelling but balanced and well presented. Missing a touch more acidity and vibrancy but this has acidity and fruit. Just loses the intensity on the finish.” Drink 2025 - 2033 87 pts, Decanter 450505 $75 38. Le Clarence de Haut‑Brion, Pessac‑Léognan (L) “Woodland fruits with a backdrop of black-pepper spices set the scene for the second-label wine of Haut‑Brion. It is powerful, with some firm tannins and integrated acidity. Drink this fine wine from 2027.” 98 pts, Wine Enthusiast 441051 6 bottle limit $375 39. Château Clerc Milon, Pauillac (L) “Ripe, dark and fragrant fruit on the nose - dark plums, cherries, damsons and blackberries with a dusting of black chocolate - coolness but also touches of floral sweetness. Smells softly floral and softly herbal with the fruit at the fore. Smooth and round, nice fullness to the texture - very slightly chewy and plush tannins, this has a bit of flesh to it which I like - textured and filling in the mouth. Ripe strawberries, chewy blackcurrants, it’s cool but textured, grippy, salty and stony. Really a great expression with nuance and layers of different elements. Holds the interest. A touch narrow a bitter still on the finish, though excellent high acidity gives life and vibrancy and nicely counters the plush fruit. Quite a complete wine, not with sunny exuberance but finessed and still flavourful.” Drink 2025 - 2045
94 pts, Decanter 430218, 450531
6 bottle limit
$200
2021 BORDEAUX
16
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