2021 Clos du Val Yettalil

The 2021 Yettalil Red Wine is only 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance consisting of 12% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec, 7% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. It spent 17 months in 40% new French oak prior to bottling in June 2023. Raspberries and cherries are joined by hints of mint and dried herbs, plus some mocha shadings. Like any top Bordeaux, this medium to full-bodied wine is taut and firm, in need of time in the cellar.

Full bottle 1,423 g. 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec, 7% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. Deep purple in colour. Blackberry, lavender and graphite nose with a bit of a boozy lift. Fine sandy tannin and balancing acid. The alcohol is better integrated on the palate than the nose – possibly just served too warm? Mid weight with a touch of leather to the finish. (SCJ)

The 2021 Yettalil is a tiny production flagship cuvee (it's only made in top vintages) that's based on 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec, 7% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot that was brought up in 40% new French oak. It's another brilliant 2021 displaying a vibrant ruby/purple hue as well as stunning aromatics of black raspberries, blackcurrants, spring flowers, lead pencil, and hints of damp earth, and you'd be excused if you called this a top Pauillac in a blind tasting. It has the vintage's focused, concentrated, structured style on the palate and is medium to full-bodied, with building yet ripe, polished tannins and a gorgeous finish. It's not for the instant gratification crowd and needs a solid 4-6 years of bottle age, but it's going to be a 30+-year wine.