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Another gem from Nicolas Thienpont (first made in 2000) that’s always worth buying, the 2021 Château La Prade comes from a tiny 5.2-hectare vineyard and is 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. Redcurrants, darker cherries, underbrush, and tobacco notes all define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied on the palate, with the lively, juicy style of the vintage, yet it still brings good depth of fruit and length. It's well-made and a solid example of the vintage.
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Neal Martin
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The 2021 La Prade is a soft, fruity wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Linear and beautifully perfumed, La Prade is quite tender in this vintage. Sweet floral and spice notes meld into a core of crushed red berry fruit.
Spiced blueberries, currants and a touch of chocolate here. Juicy and round in the center palate with medium weight and fine, polished tannins. Succulent finish. 75% merlot and 25% cabernet franc. Drink or hold.
The 2021 La Prade comes from Nicolas Thienpont's vineyard where some Merlot has been regrafted with Cabernet Franc (there is 25% in this blend). It offers a lively black cherry and blueberry scented nose, not complex but nicely focused. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins that frame straightforward, slightly savoury black fruit, hints of cracked black pepper and sage. It doesn't quite fan out on the finish as I think a more benevolent vintage might show, though it is well-crafted and should drink well for 10-12 years.
About the producer
Nicolas Thienpont purchased this estate in the Francs Côtes de Bordeaux in 2000. The seven hectares of vines average 40 years in age, divided between 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, sitting partly on the limestone plateau in the village Saint-Cibard.