2021 Best Values

Following the extremes of heat and drought of the three previous vintages, 2021 sees a return to the more classic style of claret, with moderate ripeness, tannic structure and alcohol levels (back down to 13°).  While there is high variation throughout the region, there are nonetheless some very successful wines that will provide good drinking over the short to medium term.

Prices are In Bond UK, and include shipping from Bordeaux in Spring 2024.

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LEFT BANK - BEST BUYS

St Estephe

"The 2021 Meyney has a lovely bouquet with floral-tinged red berry fruit, opening nicely with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fresh red berry fruit laced with oyster shell and spice... If release prices match your wallet, I'd stick a case (or two) in the cellar."  91-93 Neal Martin

Pauillac

"A very classy Lynch Bages with echoes of Jean-Michel Cazes' classics from the late eighties."  94-96 Neal Martin

St Julien

"Crisp acidity with the perfect amount of tension on the classically-styled finish, this Leoville Barton demonstrates the advantages of their brand new cellar. I cannot see any reason not to own a few bottles of this in your cellar."  93-95 Neal Martin

Margaux

"The 2021 Rauzan-Ségla is absolutely gorgeous... a tightly wound Margaux that balances classic structure with modern-day precision. I can't wait to see how it ages."  94-97 Antonio Galloni

Haut Medoc

"The 2021 Cantemerle is a very strong effort in a challenging year, offering up aromas of blackcurrants and plums mingled with hints of spice box, black truffle and loamy soil."  90-91 Wine Advocate

Graves

"Stylish and classic Domaine de Chevalier."  93-95 Neal Martin

RIGHT BANK - BEST BUYS

Lalande de Pomerol

"The 2021 La Chenade is a soft, supple Lalande de Pomerol loaded with charm. Succulent dark cherry, plum, mocha, chocolate and spice are nicely pushed forward in this attractive, easygoing 2021. La Chenade is all Merlot this year, as the Franc was used for the Cruzelles."  90-92 Antonio Galloni

Pomerol

"2021 Château Clinet is another brilliant success by Ronan Laborde, who continues to make one of the greatest Pomerols out there."  93-96 Jeb Dunnuck

St Emilion

"2021 Canon is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage... The aromatics alone are beguiling, but it is the wine's balance that impresses most... This is such an elegant and regal wine."  95-97 Antonio Galloni

DRY WHITE BORDEAUX - BEST BUYS

"The 2021 Latour-Martillac Blanc has a knockout nose with apple blossom, nettle, wet pavement and citrus peel aromas. Real energy here. The palate is well balanced with fine concentration, taut and fresh with plenty of extract, touches of spice emerge towards the finish. Excellent."  92-94 Neal Martin

SAUTERNES - BEST BUYS

"The 2021 Coutet needs time to cohere in the glass, eventually offering scents of dried honey, pressed flowers and quince... an enjoyable Barsac that will gain complexity with bottle age."  93-95 Neal Martin