Château Clos de Boüard 2021

Nicely scented on the nose, aromatic and pretty with strawberries and red flowers. Soft and mineral, the fruit fades quite quickly leaving some salty, tangy red fruit and acidity with slightly dry tannins and some green herbal edges. A little subdued.

With a nice depth of color, the wine pops with espresso, spice, flowers, smoke and red fruits on the nose. On the palate, the wine is soft, supple and creamy, with sweetness to the fruit, along with chocolate and a touch of oak that still needs to integrate. Drink from 2024-2036.

All Merlot brought up in a mix of new and used oak, the 2021 Château Clos De Boüard is a more medium-bodied, fresher, mid-weight wine from this team that's very much in the style of the vintage. Spicy red (and some black) fruits, sappy flowers, and some nicely integrated spicy wood notes all define the aromatics, and it's balanced, has soft tannins, brighter acidity than normal (which is understandable), and a good finish. This spicy, complex, charming Montagne will drink well for 8-10 years.

Grilled tar and smoke notes are a little distracting on the opening, but there is juice and power in the black fruits, enjoyable.

A blend of 85% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Clos de Bouard is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. Oak dominates the nose to start, soon giving way to notes of black raspberries and mulberries, plus touches of roses and moss. The light to medium-bodied palate has a firm, chewy texture and lively acidity supporting the delicate berry flavors, finishing a tad hard.