Finally after a two year absence due to travel restrictions during the pandemic we finally made it to Bordeaux for the primeur tastings of the 2021 vintage. Its always important to taste before purchase, to make a considered decision based on fact. The 2021 vintage is far removed from the “Deck chair vintage” of 2009.
Growers had everything thrown at them, frost, mildew, rain and lack of sunshine. However, despite the vagaries of climate some remarkable wines have surfaced, classic, with refreshing acidity possibly even more typical of what we expect of Bordeaux. Alcohol levels at 13 and 13.5 degrees are the norm which is generally most welcome.
Selection is vital and we tasted our way through some 500 wines over the week and visited most of the top Chateaux and many of the smaller properties who generally over deliver.
Price will be an issue, those properties who increase prices will fall on deaf ears and its worth pointing out that there are wide variations across the properties. We will be very selective in what we offer and will give full descriptions when we publish prices. Generally we offer wines in small blocks and we receive allocations from most of the top Chateaux although these can be quite limited.
Yours in wine,
James.
Tasting at chateau Lafite Rothschild
As usual Francois Mitjavile has made marvellous wines
The new state of the art winery at chateau Figeac
We had a great morning tasting with winemaker and manager
Marielle Cazaux of Chateau Conselliante.
Chateau Margaux in all its splendour and a trip to Chateau Petrus is always a great highlight!
The barrel room at Chateau Conselliante
Chateau Lafite Rothschild - always a great visit & Chateau Giscours stylish lake and garden
Jacques Thienpont, after another exciting tasting at Chateau Le Pin.
One of the top wines in 2021 Chateau Calon Segur
The Barrel room at La Mission Haut Brion.
Chateau Haut Brion produced and amazing line up of wines surely competing for wines of the vintage.
