2021 Cote de Baleau (St-Emilion)

The 2021 Côte de Baleau is one of the richer, chunkier wines in the Cuvelier family`s portfolio this year. Offering up aromas of sweet cherries and berries framed by creamy new oak, it`s medium to full-bodied, fleshy and textural, with powdery structuring tannins that assert themselves on the gently chewy finish. 87-90 points

The 2021 Côte de Baleau was hit hard by frost and so yields were just 20hL/ha. This has a very high-toned bouquet of copious blueberry and cassis fruit. The palate is ripe on the entry with sweet chewy black fruit and a smooth texture, though it’s missing just a little complexity. But it feels long and should cohere during its barrel maturation. 88-90 points

The 2021 Côte de Baleau is a soft, easygoing Saint-Émilion, but offers only modest depth. Not quite the overachiever it can be. A bit light in this vintage, but quite attractive just the same 88-90 points

Clear limestone influence with salinity and scraping tannins, but this heads towards austere, with a leafy aspect in the fruit character that skirts full ripeness. Should soften further over ageing. 20hl/h yield. 87 points