AJ | Dark, opaque black-red. Earthy, warm, dense, and the fruit has plenty of sweet, moist-tobacco appeal: one of the most complete aromas of our tasting. Impressive balance and harmony, and very little 'cool vintage' urgency. Tobacco warmth infuses the glass after air and time. Soft, ample, open and resonant: thank you, Cos d'Estournel, for showing us how tender and welcoming 2021 can in fact be. All of that lovely moist cured leafiness, all that tobacco hanging in the barn is here in this wine, melded together with beautiful graceful plush and unassertive black fruits. Totally splendid ultra-soft but gorgeously ample tannins, too. Wonderful craftsmanship: I am very enthusiastic about this tenderly fresh, welcoming wine. A joy to drink already and for the next 15 years. Drink Dates: 2027 - 2042. 94
SF | Velvety, inky and profound, to rehears the colour alone. The nose has pedigree, dark fruit and spice allied, loganberry and tobacco, then white pepper and cigar box. The extraction regime has been extremely successful yielding wine with distinct varietal identity and the soft power which only comes form pedigree and accomplished husbandry. Hints of licorice, peat and incense adorn this very successful example. There has been daring in the face of adversity, but also reason in the face of the apparent limitations of the vintage, the result is very satisfying and will do well over the medium term... Drink Dates: 2029 - 2045. 94