The 2021 Château Soutard-Cadet is another gem from the Lefévère family that plays with the best out there. Based on 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, it sports a dense purple hue as well as juicy, vibrant notes of cassis, blackberries, scorched earth, chocolate, and background oak. It's always a touch more refined and elegant compared to the Sansonnet, and the 2021 is medium to full-bodied, has terrific tannins, and a great finish. Harvested from the 5th to the 14th of October, it was vinified in a combination of tank and 500-liter barrels, and the élevage will span 16 months in 70% new barrels. Tasted twice.
Jeb Dunnuck (June 2022)Score: 93-95/559
The 2021 Soutard-Cadet offers real depth and density. Black cherry, chocolate, spice, leather, tobacco and licorice are all dialed up. Opulent and yet impeccably balanced, the 2021 has a ton to offer. One of the more overt Saint-Émilions of the year, Soutard-Cadet was impressive in two separate tastings.
Antonio Galloni, Vinous (May 2022)Score: 92-94/100Drink 2031-2046
A full and juicy red with surprising depth of fruit and fine tannins. Solid finish, too. Well done.
James Suckling (May 2022)Score: 92-93/100
The 2021 Soutard-Cadet, picked at just 12hL/ha after selection, has a lovely, very pure bouquet of black cherries, blueberry and touches of violet, showing fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins. No great depth or grip here, yet it maintains balance and a sense of joie-de-vivre on the finish. Drink over 12–15 years.
Neal Martin, Vinous (May 2022)Score: 91-93/100Drink 2025-2037
The 2021 Soutard-Cadet is medium to deep garnet-purple colored. It opens with oaky notes over a core of baked plums and stewed black cherries with hints of unsmoked cigars and dusty soil. Medium-bodied, the palate is chock full of ripe black fruits, framed by firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing fruity. The blend is 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent (May 2022)Score: 90-92/100Drink 2026-2041
Incense, espresso, cocoa, vanilla and plums are sweet, fresh, soft and polished. The wine is set to be quite easy to enjoy on release for all of its sweet, ripe fruits and soft textured, polished end notes.
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (May 2022)Score: 90-92/100Drink 2023-2038
The 2021 Soutard-Cadet offers up aromas of rich berry fruit and spices followed by a medium to full-bodied, bright and primary palate built around powdery tannins and tangy acids. From a south-facing site behind Moulin du Cadet, it's 90% old-vine Merlot growing in deep clay over limestone.
William Kelley, Wine Advocate (April 2022)Score: 90-92/100
Liquorice, plum, damson, cocoa bean, marzipan, definite oak influence but with power through the mid palate and good quality.
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux (April 2022)Score: 91/100Drink 2024-2036
Sweet tobacco, salted caramel popcorn, milk chocolate and blackcurrants on the nose - I love the aromas here, so much from the wood and fruit. The palate is round and succulent, excellent energy and juice, not too high acidity but enough to give life with a balanced texture and weight. It's not a showstopper, rather a little shy right now but charming all the same. Bright and playful fruit with a mid palate that will fill out further over ageing. Michel Rolland consultancy.
Georgie Hindle, Decanter (April 2022)Score: 91/100Drink 2025-2040
Bordeaux / France
En Primeur
2023-2046