The 2021 La Chenade is soft, supple and super-expressive right out of the gate. Silky tannins wrap around a core of red cherry fruit, plum, mocha, spice and new leather, with pretty floral and savory top notes that come alive with a bit of time in the glass. La Chenade is all Merlot this year, as the Franc was used for the Cruzelles.

The 2021 La Chenade, a 100% Merlot, evokes a fresh, fruity bouquet with aromas of flowers, dark wild berries, raspberry and violet, followed by a moderately weighted palate, a juicy, gourmand and round texture with velvety tannins and a fresh, penetrating finish. In the context of the vintage, this is worth hunting down.