Côte d’Or 2021 whites score: 4/5
Côte d’Or 2021 reds score: 3.5/5
‘Given the weather patterns of the year, it is nearly inevitable that whites and reds alike have fresh acidity, light body, moderate alcohol and firm structure.’
White wine of the vintage:
Domaine des Comtes Lafon, Montrachet Grand Cru, 97pt
Red wine of the vintage:
Domaine Armand Rousseau, Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 99pts
The small amount of white wine produced in 2021 has the lively, fresh acidity to produce crisp, concentrated wines, assuming a rigorous sorting took place between picking and fermentation. The best red wines are light in colour and body, perfumed, elegant and structured – a distinct departure from recent vintages. Less good examples can show tart acidity, herbal flavours and astringent tannins.
For those who didn’t sort well, the risks are ‘off’ aromas from rot and volatile acidity – but buyers who choose carefully will be delighted by the classic style of this vintage, which can be seen as the antithesis of recent years.
