2021 Chateau Grand Village

Given they are under the same ownership of the Guinaudau family, Chateau Grand Village is often referred to as Chateau Lafleur’s second vineyard. The estate has been owned by the Guinaudau’s relatives for hundreds of years, however it was not until the year 2000 that they began to produce wine themselves from the property. Situated on the edge of the Fronsac region and classified as Bordeaux Superieur, the vineyard is planted to 79% Merlot and 21% Bouchets (Cabernet Franc). The terroir is similar to Saint Emilion with its mix of calcisol going down a foot or so to a bedrock mostly made up of asteria limestone. At Grand Village, they practice many of the same techniques employed at Lafleur, including pruning and de-budding adapted to each vine plant, crop thinning in summer and de-leafing. The grapes are picked by hand, followed by very careful sorting and selection. Grand Village also produces a white wine from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (85%) and Semillon (15%), from a 5 acre plot.

Other Reviews....
The 2021 Grand Village, a blend of 48% Merlot (picked on the 17th and 24th of September) and 52% Cabernet Franc (picked on the 2nd of October), is undoubtedly one of the best values in Bordeaux, revealing a fresh, gourmand bouquet with aromas of raspberry, cassis, spring flowers and loamy soils. Medium-bodied, tense and elegant with a supple, velvety texture, it’s perfectly balanced with powdery tannins and a long, mouthwatering, sleek finish that enhances its drinkability. While it offers plenty of immediate charm, it also has the structure to age over the next decade. Drink 2024 - 2044.
93 points
Yohan Castaing - Wine Advocate (Feb 09, 2024)

The 2021 Grand Village has a lovely bouquet with blackberry, raspberry and a touch of black olive, well-defined with nicely integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with a pliant entry and a fine bead of acidity, not a powerful Grand Village but indeed bestowed the elegance that has only been evident in recent vintages—just a lovely wine. Drink 2026-2038.
91 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

The 2021 Grand Village (Lafleur) is stunningly good in the vintage. Gorgeous ripe black cherry and red plums give way to a chalky minerality as well as complex floral and violet notes that are something to behold. It's deep, medium-bodied, has terrific mid-palate depth, lots of salinity, and ripe tannins. It plays in the elegant, streamlined, focused style of the vintage but has impressive depth and concentration.
92 points
Jeb Dunnuck

Subtle floral and tomato leaf aromas, something herbal and earthy with exotic spices and red berry and cherry fruit - a nice complexity on the nose. Juicy and bright, a hit of acidity and salinity makes the mouth water straight away, tangy and alive, but pure and focussed. Not so deep, more streamlined but crunchy and crisp. Really get a sense of the tension to this wine which is nice. Almost quite dramatic in its brightness and focus. Fresh, fun and fruity. Ends chalky and mineral. Very easy to like this. Not light but streamlined, balanced and elegant. Great definition, energy and focus. Immediately impressive and upfront. Great to drink now/soon. Drink 2024 - 2034.
94 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter