At this yr’s Bordeaux en primeur 2021 tasting occasions, we visited the elite Château Haut-Brion, together with the equally spectacular Château La Mission Haut-Brion. We have been honored to be hosted by the chairman of the estates’ guardian firm, Prince Robert de Luxembourg himself (pictured above, left, with Vinfolio’s Zhehao Zhang, proper)
Now that Bordeaux en primeur 2021 tastings have wrapped, collectors and traders are desirous to know the way the classic is faring. The excellent news is that many wines from famend First Development estates are displaying nice promise this yr. The wines are refreshing, sleek and stylish — and the most effective have nice potential for long-term getting old.
That stated, 2021 Bordeaux is likely one of the most numerous vintages in latest reminiscence. As a result of the grapes ripened in a different way all through the area, type varies from appellation to appellation and even from producer to producer. Because of this it’s necessary to know which wines are the true standouts. High-rated wines from producers like Château Haut-Brion and Château Margaux will doubtless promote out rapidly when futures turn out to be accessible in June, so being “within the know” is the easiest way to organize and safe your allocations.
On this information, you’ll be taught which wines have been the celebrities of Bordeaux en primeur 2021, based mostly on tasting notes written by Vinfolio’s skilled employees throughout our go to to the area’s high estates. You’ll additionally uncover which wines different skilled critics rank among the many better of the classic. With this data at your fingertips, you’ll be able to spend money on probably the most sought-after 2021 futures and expertise these elegant wines for your self.
Is 2021 Bordeaux Worthwhile?
Now that the barrel tasting week of Bordeaux en primeur 2021 is over, it’s protected to say that this classic has produced some standout wines regardless of a couple of setbacks in the course of the rising season. Whereas the standard of the wine varies greater than it did for previous profitable vintages like 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020, the highest estates have been in a position to make use of all of their sources to craft excellent wines. That is maybe the principle take-away from Bordeaux en primeur 2021: craftsmanship nonetheless issues. This was a real “farmer’s classic,” as Wine Advocate so succinctly states.
Nevertheless, one truth to recollect about 2021 Bordeaux is that yields have been usually decrease than they’ve been for different latest vintages. In line with Jancis Robinson, 2021 yields have been 22.5 p.c decrease than the 10-year common resulting from spring frost and different unfavorable climate situations. What this implies for collectors and traders is that there could also be fewer bottles accessible. So it’s extra necessary than ever to safe your investments early.
General, collectors could discover that these wines are greatest loved comparatively younger. This can be a good alternative for collectors seeking to purchase wines they’ll drink whereas they wait for his or her extra age-worthy vintages to mature. Nonetheless, there are some 2021 wines which are already displaying better getting old potential, significantly wines from First Development estates.
As for traders, it’s necessary to take a look at historic market efficiency for Bordeaux to resolve if the 2021 classic is value your time. In line with Liv-ex, Bordeaux’s First Development estates have skilled a 13.7-percent improve in worth efficiency for the reason that begin of this yr, displaying there could also be a rising curiosity in high estates like Château Margaux available on the market. Likewise, Sauternes had a rise of 14.1 p.c in market efficiency over the previous yr, and Left Financial institution wines are up by 9.7 p.c. Primarily based on historic knowledge, traders may contemplate wanting into futures of 2021 wines from First Development estates, candy Sauternes labels, or wines from the Left Financial institution.
It’s nonetheless too quickly to say whether or not the worth of 2021 Bordeaux would be the identical or larger than different latest vintages, and it’ll doubtless range by label. Nevertheless, provide chain points could trigger the worth of 2021 Bordeaux to extend barely. Nonetheless, the highest wines of the classic are anticipated to have a wonderful price-to-quality ratio.
The High-Rated Wines of the Bordeaux En Primeur 2021 Season
Whereas the 2021 rising season in Bordeaux wasn’t with out its challenges, lots of the wines are however recent, polished, and a delight to drink. When members of the Vinfolio employees visited Bordeaux in April, a few of the wines we tasted have been really distinctive — significantly the reds of high First Development estates, the dry whites, and candy Sauternes. There’s loads to be enthusiastic about following the Bordeaux en primeur 2021 season. The wines beneath are good representations of simply how spectacular this classic will be. Make no mistake: this isn’t a classic to skip should you adore expertly crafted, fragrant wines.
The Finest Purple Wines of the Left Financial institution
Left Financial institution First Growths stood out to Vinfolio’s employees throughout en primeur week in 2022. The ability of those storied producers resulted in wealthy, well-structured wines.
- Château Margaux: The wines have been excessive in high quality throughout the vary of labels, however (maybe not surprisingly) the property’s Grand Vin was one of many stars of en primeur week. With notable class and nuance, this wine has the potential to rank on the very high of the classic. Collectors and traders could even see a renewed curiosity in Margaux available on the market following this excellent launch, so it’s value wanting into increasing your Margaux assortment now.
- Château Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion: These wines are equally compelling this yr. The purple wines are extremely wealthy, which is notable contemplating so many wines of 2021 are recognized for being lighter-bodied and extra delicate than ordinary. Like Margaux, these wines are of the best high quality throughout the board, however most particularly the Grand Vin. What makes Château Haut-Brion wines distinctive for Bordeaux en primeur 2021 is that yields have been on par with years prior for the property. As one of many few estates to manage properly with the difficult climate situations, Château Haut-Brion confirmed why masterful approach issues. The alcohol stage for this wine can be close to the identical ranges because it was in earlier years. So, should you’re searching for a wine of comparable high quality to latest vintages you already personal, contemplate the wines of those estates.
- Château Mouton Rothschild: A well-structured wine, although time will inform if the classic might be as age-worthy as ones within the latest previous. This can be a terrific wine to drink younger, with deep notes of violet, tobacco, and mint which are already coming by superbly within the mix. The property was additionally capable of obtain 13.1 p.c alcohol, which is according to latest vintages. It’s particularly noteworthy in 2021, contemplating some estates had a lot decrease alcohol ranges than ordinary. This might be an attention-grabbing wine to observe evolve.
- Château Lafite-Rothschild: Wealthy and layered with a terrific sense of stability. That is actually among the many highest-rated wines of the classic. One notable attribute of the 2021 classic is that its mix comprises one of many highest Cabernet percentages within the property’s historical past — 96-percent Cabernet Sauvignon. This truth alone makes this an attractive wine for Bordeaux collectors, but it surely’s additionally anticipated to be among the many longest-lived wines of the classic. It’s well-structured, which is clear even at this early stage, and that ought to result in a long time of lovely getting old.
As a result of the 2021 classic is so numerous by way of type throughout the area, there’s one thing for each sort of collector and investor. Exterior of the 4 First Growths that launch en primeur wines (Château Latour doesn’t), one different Left-Financial institution purple wine stood out throughout Vinfolio’s go to to Bordeaux for en primeur 2021:
- Château Léoville-Las Instances: A really concentrated, spectacular, and critical wine. This has the potential to rank among the many greatest from the property lately, so should you’re a fan of the Château, it’s best to stay up for the 2021 futures.
Vinfolio’s Picks
The next wines are ones collectors and traders ought to have of their sights when futures go on sale this yr:
Extra High-Rated Wines
Listed below are a few of the standout wines different critics rated most extremely throughout en primeur 2021:
| Critic/Publication | High-Rated Wines |
| Wine Advocate | Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, Château Lafite-Rothschild |
| Neal Martin of Vinous | Château Lafite-Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Léoville-Las Instances |
The Finest Purple Wines of the Proper Financial institution
One notable truth about the wines of the Proper Financial institution is that there’s extra Cabernet Franc within the mix than ordinary in 2021. This imparts better aromatics to the wine, which implies this can be the most effective yr to take a position should you favor this type. Listed below are a couple of of the Proper Financial institution purple wines that stood out throughout Bordeaux en primeur 2021:
- Château Cheval Blanc: The Grand Vin is made primarily from Cabernet Franc, and the result’s an fragrant and concentrated wine with immense getting old potential. This ranks within the high wines of the Proper Financial institution this yr, and is a contender for the most effective wine of the classic (alongside Margaux and Haut-Brion).
- Château Angélus: Each the primary and second wines from this property are excessive in high quality this yr, with wonderful construction and finely grained tannins. Usually this mix is made primarily from Merlot, however as a result of the 2021 mix has a better share of Cabernet Franc, it’s a terrific alternative for collectors to purchase a one-of-a-kind classic.
- Château Lafleur: Throughout the board, all the property’s choices have been excessive in high quality this yr, however most particularly the Grand Vin. The property took nice care in choosing solely the ripest grapes for the mix and meticulously crafting the wine, and this effort reveals within the ultimate mix. It ranks among the many perfect of the classic.
- Château Pétrus: This is likely one of the most floral vintages in latest historical past for the property, and it has wonderful construction.
Vinfolio’s Picks
These wines are prone to be extraordinarily in style when Bordeaux en primeur 2021 futures go on sale:
Extra High-Rated Wines
Different critics rated these wines among the many greatest they sampled throughout en primeur week:
The Finest White Bordeaux of 2021
Whereas there are many purple wines that stood out throughout Bordeaux en primeur 2021, the dry white wines have been a few of the most spectacular of the classic. The cooler climate allowed the grapes to develop refreshing acidity and gorgeous aromatics. Listed below are a couple of of the most effective wines we sampled throughout en primeur week:
- Château Haut-Brion and Château La Mission Haut-Brion: The Blancs will be the high of the classic for dry whites. They’ve a notable minerality and refreshing acidity, but that is balanced out by splendidly ripe fruit. In the event you’re seeking to begin or develop a assortment of white Bordeaux, then the 2021 vintages from these two estates needs to be on the high of your buying checklist.
- Château Lafleur: Whereas the purple wine could get probably the most consideration this yr, the property’s white wine deserves reward as properly. It’s a spectacular effort that might even be value getting old long-term.
Vinfolio’s Picks
On the subject of investing in white Bordeaux from the 2021 classic, it’s troublesome to go incorrect with wines from the Proper Financial institution. Practically each Proper Financial institution producer had nice success with their Blancs. These, coupled with the whites of Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion, are prone to be talked about for years to return. These are a few of our high picks for wine futures:
- Château Haut-Brion
- Château La Mission Haut-Brion
- Château Smith Haut Lafitte
- Château Lafleur
- Château Pape Clément
Extra High-Rated Wines
These have been a few of the highest rated white wines from different critics visiting Bordeaux for en primeur week:
| Critic/Publication | High-Rated Wines |
| Wine Advocate | Château Margaux (Pavillon Blanc), Domaine de Chevalier, Château Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion, Château Pape Clément |
| James Suckling | Château Lafleur, Domaine de Chevalier |
| Neal Martin of Vinous | Château Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion |
The Finest Candy Wines of 2021
This was additionally a terrific yr for candy wines, and a few could even show to be the best wines of the previous century for some estates. Due to the excellent high quality and very low yields, these vintages will doubtless be extremely sought-after. Nevertheless, just a few estates have been showcasing their 2021 vintages throughout en primeur week in April. Some estates, like Château d’Yquem, supplied tastings of the 2019 classic as a substitute (an equally spectacular yr that needs to be on collectors’ radars when it comes time to spend money on futures). We are going to doubtless see the discharge of extra 2021 candy wines from Sauternes within the coming years, so maintain a detailed watch within the meantime.
On the Bordeaux en primeur 2021 barrel tasting, we bought our first glimpse of which wines are the potential stars of this classic
Tips on how to Put money into 2021 Bordeaux
Whether or not you’re a collector or a critical investor, the easiest way to safe 2021 Bordeaux is to buy futures as quickly as they turn out to be accessible. This might be particularly necessary for the 2021 classic resulting from a mixture of low yields and provide chain challenges. Wines are prone to be in excessive demand however extra restricted in availability.
Step one to investing in the most effective wines of 2021 is to go to Vinfolio’s en primeur store. Nevertheless, as new wines are being launched and added every day, it may be onerous to maintain up. Join our en primeur 2021 mailing checklist to be the very first to know when a brand new launch is offered for buy, together with probably the most sought-after wines from First Development estates. Nearly all of these futures might be accessible on the Vinfolio futures market in June. That is additionally a wonderful alternative to spend money on different vintages, like 2019 and 2020, since you possibly can nonetheless discover these wines at en primeur costs. Following the discharge of the 2021 classic, these previous vintages could turn out to be extra in demand available on the market, so it’s necessary to safe your wine as quickly as potential.
The 2021 Bordeaux classic is already shaping as much as be an enchanting one for collectors and traders alike, and you may be one of many first to personal probably the most sought-after wines of the yr.
For the 2021 Bordeaux en primeur season, Vinfolio is your accomplice in shopping for, promoting, and skilled storage. Contact us at present to get entry to the world’s best wine.
