2021 Rahoul
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Tasting notes
A Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated effort brought up in barrel, the 2021 Château Rahoul is medium-bodied and nicely balanced, with ample currant and tobacco aromatics, ripe tannins, and a focused, elegant, rock-solid style that will evolve for 8-10 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Rahoul has a well-defined bouquet with mainly black fruit, cedar and pencil box. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, a healthy dose of white pepper and clove. Moderate in length, it finishes with a slight attenuation and a subtle residual metallic element.
The 2021 Rahoul is dark, expressive and full of character. Leather, licorice, scorched earth, incense and dried flowers give the 2021 tons of nuance. Merlot was heavily impacted by frost, so the blend has more Cabernet Sauvignon than is typically the case. That works well in giving the wine complexity and dynamic energy. This is a very pleasant surprise.
Red cherry and redcurrant fruit, walking the line of ripeness, touches of tobacco. 30% new oak for ageing, and a tough year for Rahoul, with 30% of usual production after frost, and no Rahoul blanc at all. Tasted twice.
About the producer
With a long history stretching back to the 17th century, Ch. Rahoul is part of the powerful Dourthe group. Spread over 40 hectares, the property produces both red and white wines.