56. Château de la Dauphine, Fronsac “Beautifully lifted and aromatic nose, smells wonderful with such clarity. Juicy and succulent, lovely energy straight away, fruit is bright but not sour with a soft hint of both sweetness and cooling freshness. Layers of minerality and wet stones offset the fruit and the well integrated tannins give the structure. Not lean but not massy, a lovely balance for a finessed, delicate wine in 2021. Ends a touch light but give this time.” Drink 2025 - 2039 $50 57. Château Deyrem Valentin, Margaux “The 2021 Deyrem Valentin should be considered a success for the vintage. It has a loamy bouquet that complements the black fruit and hints of dark chocolate—not powerful yet nicely defined, almost Saint- Julien like in style. The palate is medium-bodied with black plummy fruit and (again) a touch of dark chocolate. There is a patina of oak to be assimilated toward the fresh finish, so give this Margaux another couple of years in bottle.” Drink 2025 - 2038 90 pts, Vinous 435894 $55 58. Domaine de Chevalier, Pessac‑Léognan (L) 93 pts, Decanter 411859, 434247 “The 2021 Domaine de Chevalier reveals a deep, complex bouquet with aromas of blackberries and blueberries mingled with spices, cigar wrapper and coniferous forest floor, followed by a medium to full- bodied, sweet and concentrated palate animated by bright acids and framed by fine, powdery tannins. It’s an impressive effort that will reward a bit of bottle age. It’s a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc.” Drink 2023 - 2040 94+ pts, Wine Advocate 441061 6 bottle limit $180 59. Château La Dominique, St-Émilion Grand Cru (L) “The 2021 La Dominique opens in the glass with notes of minty berries, plums and cherries, framed by a discreet touch of new oak. Medium to full-bodied, suave and polished, with an attractive core of cool, layered fruit, it’s framed by powdery tannins that assert themselves on the gently structured finish. While it will show well out of the gates, this will also reward at least a modicum of bottle age.” Drink 2026 - 2040 92+ pts, Wine Advocate 434154 6 bottle limit $140
2021 BORDEAUX
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