About a week after we bought this wine, the ‘Alliance des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc’ promoted Chateau Arnauld from a humble Cru Bourgeois Supérieur to a stately Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, so it tastes much better now. It has new and improved aromas of raindrops on raspberries and shiny black berries, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens (wait, what?). The colour is deep and glossy and as vibrant as the wine itself. Winemaking consultant, Hubert de Boüard of Chateau Angelus, has coaxed a real beauty from this vintage, taking the fruit concentration to its natural limit while preserving real liveliness in the wine. 14% alc. Drink 2020-2030.

Press reviews:

Jancis Robinson: “63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot. 100% new oak for 18 months. Deep garnet. Still very primary with pure cassis fruit, showing the dominance of Cabernet. Firm and a little chewy on the palate but lots of sweet fruit, really quite rich but with the freshness to balance. Still very youthful and vibrant.” 16.5 points

Decanter: “Delivers clear grip and poise, with an alluring depth of damson and blackberry fruit; tannins are firm but not drying, and it doesn’t feel overdone. Definite potential here. Drink now-2033.” 91 points

Vins de Bordeaux’s ‘The Hot 50’ 2021: “Glamorous wine, now at a delightful stage of development. Ripe, concentrated fruit, complex cedary notes and an admirably fresh, dry finish.”