2021 Château Berliquet, St. Emilion Grand Cru
£229 per 6 bottle case in bond
The way releases have gone so far, we haven’t yet felt compelled to offer any other wines this vintage. There will undoubtedly be some releases, such as this, that we will endorse where the quality justifies it, but frankly if quality is down on last year, and the same price is maintained, where is the incentive to buy? It is time to be selective.
Château Berliquet is on the up, about that there is little doubt, and the 2021 vintage has just been released and is offered here at £229 per 6 bottle case in bond.
It is the first release of the trio of Châteaux under the ownership of Chanel, with Châteaux Canon and Rauzan-Ségla yet to be released. Château Berliquet – which may not have been on your radar before now – has undergone a dramatic shift in style and quality since being purchased by Chanel in 2018. It was a very logical purchase, as this 7.5-hectare vineyard is essentially on very similar terroir to Canon itself.
It is situated between two blocks of Canon’s vineyard on the limestone plateau with a more notable clay component in part of the Berliquet vineyard than is prevalent in the vineyards of Canon. Initially, there was speculation that this might be subsumed into Château Canon, but head winemaker Nicolas Audebert stated recently that he saw the Berliquet vineyard as distinct, bringing about a different character in the resultant wine. He also recognised three sections within the vineyard: one largely limestone, one deep clay and one an erosion of limestone with clay and sand.
Please see below for scores and notes from Neal Martin (vinous.com) and William Kelley (robertparker.com)
2021 Château Berliquet, Grand Cru Classé, St-Emilion
£229 per 6 bottle case in bond
My note from our tasting at Château Canon in early May:
The 2021 shows impressively, with a fine purity and an attractive, mid-weight fruit that captures notes of blackberry, bright cherry, and hedgerow fruits with a gentle floral overlay. It is likely this vintage will be approachable after 6-7 years of cellarage. A refined and elegant St.Emilion from a promising terroir produced by a highly skilled winemaking team. The fact that this isn’t as assertive as some recent vintages is no downside; Nicolas Audebert’s team are gradually unlocking the potential of this well sited vineyard. (SL) Drink: 2028-2038
(91-93) points, Neal Martin
The 2021 Berliquet was picked September 23 to October 5 at 30hL/ha, and matured in 44% new oak for a planned 16 months. Limpid purple in color. The nose is surprisingly concentrated given the growing season, offering crème de cassis and violet petal aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannins that frame the black cherry and boysenberry fruit. Not a complex Berliquet, yet it possesses admirable substance and ripeness on the finish. One to watch. Drink : 2029-2050.
(92-93) points, William Kelley
The 2021 Berliquet shows considerable promise, exhibiting aromas of cherries, wild berries, raw cocoa and rose petals, followed by a medium to full-bodied, lively and charming palate that's framed by powdery tannins and tangy acids. Concluding with a long and saline finish, this estate continues to go from strength to strength under the administration of Nicolas Audibert and his team.
Please let us know of your interest. For reference, we released the 2020 vintage at £218 per 6 bottle case in bond.
All the best,
Simon
