Destieux 2021 (750ML)

90-91 JS / 90 DE / 90-92 JD / 90-92 WA / 90 JA / 

Blackberry, mineral and dark cherry with some crushed stone. Medium body. Fresh finish. -James Suckling.

Smells ripe and concentrated on the nose, intense and driving, which continues on the palate with a chewy, ripe, juiciness. It's one of the more bold, rich, characterful wines where you can feel the influence of the wood ageing already - with an intensity of flavour that doesn't let up though still being quite lifted on the palate - more linear than round and opulent. A little severe perhaps at this stage, seering, but I like it's determination and it's directness. A confident wine. -Geogina Hindle, Decanter.

Based on 66% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Château Destieux is young and unevolved, with ripe red, blue, and black fruits as well as medium-bodied richness, a nicely concentrated mid-palate, firmer tannins, and outstanding length. It's tight and backward, yet this has potential. I suspect a few years of bottle age will be warranted. -Jeb Dunnuck.

Perhaps it's because the vineyards are pruned by the inimitable Michel Duclos, or perhaps it's because the style is so uncompromising, but I have a weakness for this small estate in Saint-Hippolyte. The 2021 Destieux is a strong effort, exhibiting aromas of rich berries, cherries, sweet spices, violets and loamy soil, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and seamless palate that's rich and textural. On paper, it's oaky and extracted, yet I wouldn't be surprised if it aged very well. -William Kelley, The Wine Advocate.

Inky plum colour, this is well handled, with gentle but firm tannins and careful extraction. Touch of bitterness on the finish but it comes through as bitter almond and cocoa bean, showing the oak influence but not overpowering, and there are raspberry and black cherry fruits here. An estate that tends to go long on extraction, but it has done a good job of filling the mid palate here. -Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux.