64. L’Esprit de Chevalier, Pessac‑Léognan
“The 2021 L’Esprit de Chevalier, a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc aged for 14 months in barrels, reveals a toasty, spicy bouquet with aromas of sweet berries, nuts, nicely integrated oak and smoke. Medium-bodied, juicy and well-balanced, it’s layered with structured tannins, a fleshy core of fruit and a fresh, vibrant finish.” Drink 2023 - 2030 90 pts, Wine Advocate 412406 $65 65. Château L’Évangile, Pomerol “Unfurling in the glass with aromas of dark cherries and berries mingled with notions of licorice, black truffle, rose petal and iris, the 2021 L’Evangile is medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with a broad and textural attack that segues into a charming, succulent mid-palate framed by sweet, powdery tannins. This saw only two rackings, and some 15% matured in amphora, with the rest in barriques that are less toasty than in the past; the result of these and other initiatives is a much more timeless expression of this property. Bottled in May 2023.” Drink 2027 - 2045 94 pts, Wine Advocate 411932 $575 66. Château Faugères, St-Émilion Grand Cru “Bright and mineral, this has a good combination of creamy but still juicy strawberry and raspberry fruit with wet stone salinity on the palate, the two playing a push-pull for dominance but supported by fine, quite direct tannins. I like the clarity here, there’s no frills or hiding and I like the classic nature of it.” Drink 2025 - 2038 92 pts, Decanter 412046 $90 67. Château Ferran, Pessac‑Léognan “The 2021 Ferran shows promise, exhibiting aromas of dark berries and wild plums, followed by a medium-bodied, bright and nicely concentrated palate that’s pure and precise, with ripe tannins and a tangy spine of acidity. This is a strong effort from this 19-hectare vineyard on clay-limestone soils.” 89-91 pts, Wine Advocate 434277 $45
2021 BORDEAUX
23
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