Bordeaux 2021: A Vintage of Resilience
Explore the Bordeaux 2021 vintage, a true testament to the labour and tenacity of winemakers. Discover the growing season, fine craftsmanship, challenges endured to create this remarkable Bordeaux vintage.
Growing season
The 2021 growing season was not without its challenges. Bordeaux experienced an unusually cold and wet summer, with June being particularly gloomy. Vineyards across the region suffered from mildew and frost, especially on the Right Bank, where Merlot struggled to ripen. August brought little relief, but a warmer period in September helped the grapes to fully ripen. Despite the adversity, the finest winemakers used their resources to mitigate these effects. The harvest of Merlot began late in September, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon a week later. By carefully selecting and timing the harvest, producers were able to avoid under-ripe grapes, resulting in wines with reduced alcohol content but still showcasing lively acidity and pure fruit character.
The 2021 vintage showcases determination and skill of vineyard management techniques. The finest wines exhibit refinement, structure, class, and harmony; underscoring that craftsmanship, rather than luck, is the key to success. Despite the challenges, the Bordeaux 2021 vintage produced wines that were excellent in quality. However, yields were notably low because unfavourable weather limited the number of grapes that could be harvested—Merlot being particularly susceptible to these conditions.
What to Expect
The prolonged time to ripen and cooler temperatures resulted in wines with structure and balance, greater acidity and less alcohol concentration. As a result, this vintage offers a character closer to traditional Bordeaux compared to the warmer, riper 2020, 2019, and 2018 vintages.
Red Wine:
The best wines were produced by Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives on the Left Bank. These wines feature black fruits, well-integrated minerality, and polished tannins, all hallmarks of the Bordeaux region. Although frost and mildew impacted Merlot on the Right Bank, the wines from top estates demonstrate extraordinary class. This vintage, more elegant than robust, is expected to please connoisseurs of classic Bordeaux wines. With hints of dark fruit and spice, as well as increased earthy and mineral flavours, the wines stand out for their subtlety.
White Wine:
The cooler conditions also favoured Bordeaux's white wines, particularly those from Pessac-Léognan. These whites show strong acidity, citrus, and floral notes, with the ability to mature gracefully.
The Bordeaux 2021 vintage delivers wines with a more classic, restrained character, marking a return to traditional Bordeaux style, in contrast to the recent warmer years. The top estates, with access to state-of-the-art technology and superb vineyard management, produced delicate and nuanced wines despite a difficult growing season.
Explore the Elegance
2021 Château Lafite Rothschild
The 2021 vintage at Chateau Lafite Rothschild showcases the finest Cabernet Sauvignon grown on the historic Lafite plateau. Known for balancing freshness and density, these wines highlight exceptional terroirs. Merlot, however, faced early challenges, with only half a vat added to the blend from Pointon Gravette, a plot on the famous Carruades plateau. The wine features a rich red hue with a nose dominated by fresh fruit and delicate toasted tones. On the palate, there's a burst of energy followed by a refreshing finish accompanied by velvety woodiness, signalling great ageing potential (Source: www.lafite.com)
Blend: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot.
2021 Château Mouton Rothschild
The 2021 vintage at Chateau Mouton Rothschild represents a return to the traditional balance of earlier Bordeaux vintages. This wine is fresh, well-balanced, and structured for ageing, with a deep, dark purple hue. The nose presents sultry scents of blackberry and blackcurrant, with floral iris notes, spices, and cedarwood undertones. A rich, juicy start leads to a harmonious, fresh palate. (Source: www.chateau-mouton-rothschild.com)
Blend: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc
2021 Château Cos D'Estournel
Cos d'Estournel 2021 offers a polished representation of its unique terroir. It opens with notes of black tea and pepper, followed by strong scents of red berries, blackberry, and black fig. This harmonious wine, marked by a remarkable concentration and subtle mineral aromas, is expected to age beautifully. (Source: www.estournel.com)
Blend: 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot.
