2021, Château Clos Puy Arnaud, CÔTES-DE-CASTILLON

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot.

Bright plum fruits, greengages and raspberry with touches of mandarin rind. A great example of what you can find in the vintage when it succeeds - this is far from exuberant, but it makes a positive out of being sappy and lithe, and has a concentration through the mid palate. Austere, needs to round out over ageing, but there is character and balance. 91 Jane Anson.

The 2021 Clos Puy Arnaud is soft, fruity and quite supple, but without the dimensions of the very best years. Red/purplish berry notes, lavender and a kick of blood orange all open with a bit of coaxing. The limits of what was possible in 2021 are evident. 87-89 Antonio Galloni.

A strong performance from the Côtes de Castillon, the 2021 Clos Puy Arnaud is a blend of 50% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Revealing aromas of dark cherries, cassis, sweet soil tones and spices, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and lively, with tangy acids and a long, saline finish. 89-91 William Kelley, Wine Advocate.