Pessac & Graves 2021 in bottle: Overview plus top-scoring wines
See tasting notes and scores for the top-performing Pessac-Léognan and Graves red and white wines from the difficult 2021 vintage in Bordeaux now that they have been bottled.
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This region was severely impacted by the frost in early 2021 with the lowest yields of the major appellations across Bordeaux. Quality is uneven but there are still some lovely wines that showcase ripe fruit, high acidities and lots of estate signature – usually exemplified by a wet stone, graphite minerality and clean, lean texture which is straight and not at all plush.
Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores for the top Pessac & Graves 2021 in-bottle wines
Lower alcohols are common across the board as is an easy charm with some savoury accents adding to the fruit.
Smith Haut Lafitte, Haut Brion and Les Carmes Haut-Brion are excellent as is La Mission Haut Brion, Domaine de Chevalier and Malartic-Lagravière.
Many other wines are juicy and fragrant and will be suitable for early enjoyment.
Dry whites
Cooler years tend to produce great white wines in Bordeaux and 2021 was no exception with plenty of lively acidities, citrus fruit and lean textures on offer.
Some whites are still masked by oak and others have green fruit and lack some juiciness but the best fall into two categories – those that are slightly richer and more oily with hints of fatness and acidity and those that are razor sharp and direct. Both have their place for lovers of dry whites in Bordeaux so choose the producer style you like.
The whites from Smith Haut Lafitte, Haut-Brion and La Mission were very impressive as were those from Domaine de Chevalier, Couhins-Lurton, Malartic-Lagravière and Larrivet Haut Brion.
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Outside of the Graves, Margaux’s Pavillon Blanc, Lafleur’s Les Champs Libres and Grand Village Blanc really wow.
BORDEAUX 2021 IN BOTTLE SCORE TABLE: Top-scoring 133 wines with 93 points or above
Individual appellation analysis and top-scoring wines
St-Estèphe 2021 | Pauillac 2021 | Margaux 2021 | St-Julien 2021| Pomerol 2021 | St-Emilion 2021 |
See tasting notes and scores for the top Pessac & Graves 2021 in-bottle wines
Wines are listed in score order white then red
See all Bordeaux 2021 in-bottle wines in score order
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