2021 Moulin Riche (St-Julien)

A blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and fully 19% Petit Verdot, the 2021 Moulin Riche offers up rich aromas of cassis, ripe berries, loamy soil, petals and spicy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, ample and velvety, it`s a supple, enveloping wine with impressive depth at the core. As readers will remember, this label was once a second wine for Léoville-Poyferré, but as the vineyard of the historic Château Moulin Riche (which was replanted by Didier Cuvelier) matured, it became an estate in its own right, with a second wine of its own, derived from a 20-hectare block located in inland Saint-Julien. 89-91 points

The 2021 Moulin Riche was picked from 28 September to 12 October. It is matured in 25% new oak. The nose takes time to settle in the glass eventually offering oyster-tinged black fruit, a touch of pressed iris. It is not exuberant or vivid as others, more taciturn at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with a bitter-edged, liquorice-tinged opening, quite firm and slightly chalky tannins, moderate depth with what feels like a comparatively reserved, slightly chewy finish. Give it three or four years in bottle. 88-90 points

The 2021 Moulin Riche is a dark, racy Saint-Julien. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, tobacco, menthol and licorice are all dialed up in a generous, inviting 2021 that has much to offer. There`s lovely upfront intensity here. I would prefer to drink this succulent, yet mid-weight Saint-Julien over the next decade or so. 91-93 points

Firm structure on display, cradling black fruits alongside redcurrant and raspberry. A vin d`elevage that will benefit from ageing in adding a touch more flesh. This site was not directly impacted by frost, but its character has been shaped by the cool weather of the summer. Harvest September 28 to October 12. This wine has been given focus by the introduction of a 2nd wine since 2018, the M de Moulin Riche, in the way that their neighbour has done with Clos du Marquis. 87 points