90pts Vinous
The 2021 Les Grands Chênes is bright, vibrant and focused. Red berry fruit, spice, mint and menthol lend notable energy. The aromatics are quite pretty, but the 2021 could use a bit more mid-palate sweetness. Let's see if that comes with élevage.
90pts James Suckling
Some sweet red berries, haw fruit and baking spices on the nose. Medium-bodied on the palate with some lightly chewy tannins and a soft, fruity finish of medium length. Crunchy and a bit simple, but shows the approachability of this vintage.
Wine Advocate
A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon from proprietor Bernard Magrez, the 2021 Les Grands Chênes exhibits aromas of rich cherries, berries and loamy soil, framed by toasty new oak. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and gourmand, with lively acids and a clean finish, it's a creditable effort from these gravel vineyards in Saint Christoly-Médoc. Amphorae increasingly complement barriques in the chai.
Decanter
Quite dry from the off, but it's a chalky, mineral and salty tang rather than a rustic one. Mouthfilling and chewy with sofly plump, fleshy fruit and a good delivery of cool blueberry and black bramble fruits. Nicely refined and presented with plenty of easy-drinking appeal, lively acidity and a lightly lifted finish. Part of this year's successful Bernard Magrez stable.
History
Chateau Les Grands Chenes is a leading Medoc Cru Bourgeois property that is now producing wines comparable in quality to many 4eme and 5eme Cru Classe chateaux.
The vines are planted around a former XVIth century fortress in a part of the Medoc appellation that had very dynamic trade relations with the rest of the world thanks to the port of Saint-Christoly du Medoc.
