2021 Puygueraud (Francs-Cotes de Bordeaux)

Aromas of sweet berries, cassis and petals preface the 2021 Puygueraud, a medium to full-bodied, lively and seamless wine with a pretty core of fruit and a mineral finish. This is a fine effort from Nicolas Thienpont and his team. 88-90 points

The 2021 Puygueraud offers light brambly blackberry and bilberry scents on the nose, which is more low-key than recent vintages, though well-defined. The palate is medium-bodied with soft tannins, nice piquancy, clean, pure fruit and an open-knit finish. This will provide pleasurable early drinking over 5–7 years. 86-88 points

The 2021 Puygueraud is super-promising. There`s terrific depth to the black cherry/plum fruit, chocolate, licorice, new leather and clove flavors. This tasty Côtes de Francs from the Thienpont family is a jewel of a wine. Tasted three times. 88-90 points

Attractive nose, with marzipan, fennel, redcurrant fruits. There is a great clarity to the fruits on the palate, a little dilute through the mid palate but easy to drink, balanced, juicy, fresh. Chalky tannins, with grip. Tasted twice. One of the highest points of Francs Côtes de Bordeaux, helped mitigate the frost risk. Nicolas and Cyrile Thienpont, Julien Lavenu consultant, 42.9hl/h yield, Harvest September 30 to October 18. 91 points