2021 Monbousquet (St-Emilion)

The 2021 Monbousquet was picked from 29 September to 6 October and was the only property impacted by frost; therefore, they deselected the second generation buds at the end of August, so yields are just 18.55hL/ha. It has a clean, pure and perfumed bouquet with violet-infused black fruit, floral and more intense than many of its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with a bit of hardness on the entry. Moderate depth, more compact than the aromatics suggest with a touch of black pepper towards the finish. This will need three or four years in bottle. 88-90 points

The 2021 Monbousquet offers lovely fruit density in the mid-weight, slightly nervy style of the year. There`s terrific energy and vibrancy running through the 2021. Rose petal, lavender, spice and mint perk up the finish. The 2021 is delicate, nuanced and super-classy. 90-92 points

Focus here firmly on raspberry and red cherry fruits, a little less concentration that in normal years but still big-boned. 50% new oak, New technical director Raphael Maurin, harvest 29 September to October 6, small yield of 18.55hl/h. 89 points