Château Ripeau 2021

Lovely fragrant, floral, fruity notes on the nose. Supple and juicy, this has such a great ease to it, nicely presented, gentle with soft fruit flavours, slowly travelling along the palate giving texture, weight and fun fruit. Not exuberant or flashy but so well done here and no let up through the mid-palate, building to a lifted finish. A success in 2021 with the acidity, tannic density and structure to age.

Savory baking spices with baked oranges, plums and a hint of hazelnut. Crisp, fluid and medium-bodied on the palate with fine tannins and a linear finish of good length. An elegant, nuanced expression. Drink now or hold.

The 2021 Ripeau seems to have lost some of the delineation it showed en primeur, unfolding with pleasant brambly red fruit mingled with cedar, though it needs more precision. The palate is sweet on entry, with strawberry pastille and candied orange peel. At 14% alcohol in 2021, the style is just a little saccharine. It’s attractive, but it could show a little more restraint.

Chocolate mint chips, licorice, espresso, spice, flowers and black cherries pop in the nose. The palate is loaded with creamy black plums, cherries and dark chocolate, with a hint of spice and espresso at the end of the finish. Drink from 2024-2037.

Dark ruby core, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Smoky herbal savoriness, blackberries, ripe plums and a touch of tangerine zest. Medium body, concentrated cassis with finely woven tannins, mineral notes and some nougat on the finish.

Smoking good stuff, with ample cassis, flowers, graphite, and spicy oak, the 2021 Château Ripeau brings more richness and depth than most, offering medium to full-bodied weight, fine, ripe tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish. It's a beautiful Saint-Emilion to drink over the coming 10-15 years.

Plum colour, well-polished damson fruits, this has balance and depth of flavour, blueberry, blackberry, slate, crushed rocks, salinity, clear peony floral edge, graphite and gunsmoke reduction; overall sculpted and a little sombre but great quality. Harvest September 6 to October 13, yield 21 hl/ha.

The 2021 Ripeau has a deep garnet-purple color. It features notes of red and black currants, with an undercurrent of blackberry pie, dried Provence herbs, and graphite. Medium-bodied, the palate offers plenty of herb-laced black fruits and chewy tannins, finishing earthy.

Dark color, moderately intense and bright. Fruity nose with a slight alcoholic note. Fruity, light palate with medium body and length. Blend: 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Alcohol: 13.5%.