Château Beauséjour Duffau 2021

Nestled on both the plateau and the hillside, with a South/South-West facing exposure, in one of the most remarkable sites of the appellation, the 6.80-hectare vineyard of Beauséjour takes on the air of a garden set upon the limestone bedrock. Belonging to the Duffau-Lagarrosse family since 1847, Beauséjour changed hands in April 2021, marking the fortuitous meeting of two families. Prisca Courtin, the granddaughter of Jacques Courtin, creator of Clarins cosmetics, and Joséphine Duffau-Lagarrosse, the ninth generation, now helm the estate. They have assembled a new, dynamic, and talented team, including Axel Marchal and Julien Viaud, to enhance the exceptional terroir.

Château Beauséjour Duffau Lagarrosse has entered an exciting new era under the ownership of Joséphine Duffau Lagarrosse and Prisca Courtin. Since assuming control in 2021, they have implemented transformative changes that have rejuvenated the estate and redefined its winemaking philosophy.

With a fresh perspective and unwavering commitment to quality, Joséphine Duffau Lagarrosse and Prisca Courtin have assembled a talented team and established collaborations with rising oenologists. Their collective expertise and shared vision aim to unlock the most authentic and vibrant expression of the property's exceptional terroir.

Reflecting their innovative spirit, the dynamic duo decided to simplify the estate's name to Beauséjour while proudly including "J. Duffau-Lagarrosse" on the label as a nod to its esteemed co-owner and lasting legacy. This harmonious blend of tradition and modernity exemplifies the estate's evolution and commitment to upholding values.

Embracing this fresh chapter in its history, Beauséjour unveils its new visual identity, a testament to its enduring legacy and contemporary outlook. The revitalized design celebrates the estate's rich heritage while embracing the present. The visual elements that define Beauséjour remain intact, representing its recognizable DNA while embodying the team's forward-thinking vision for the estate's future.

This exciting transformation sets the stage for the release of Beauséjour's 2022 vintage, showcasing the dedication of the team and the estate's ongoing pursuit of excellence. Each bottle now offers a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and a bright future as Beauséjour continues to captivate palates and leave an indelible mark in the world of wine.

"The 2021 Château Beausejour (Duffau-Lagarrosse) checks in as 63% Merlot and 27% Cabernet Franc that was harvested between September 30 and October 14 and was raised in 58% new French oak for 14 months, with the wine spending a few months in tank before bottling. It has a healthy ruby/purple hue as well as an incredible bouquet of black raspberries, ripe cherries, graphite, crushed stone, and hints of spicy herbs. This beauty is medium to full-bodied, has remarkable density on the mid-palate, and ultra-fine tannins. It's clearly in the top handful of wines in the vintage, offering density, terrific purity, and fabulous length. It's never going to be a blockbuster, but it’s an incredibly elegant, seamless wine that will have two decades or more of longevity. Bravo." - Jeb Dunnuck (4/3/2024) Rating: 94 Drink: 2024-2044

''Captures the spirit of the vintage, in its austerity and savoury quality, and stands way above it, with finesse and pummice stone texture that gives grip and slows progression through the palate. Lemongrass, peony, rose petals, graphite, gunsmoke, raspberry and redcurrant. Harvest September 30 to October 10, 28hl/h yield, 58% new oak. Camille Devillenaut co-technical director with Josephine Duffau-Lagarrosse, coming over from Château Villemaurine. First year with Axel Marchal as consultant, working alongside Julien Viaud, replacing the Nicolas Thienpont team. Tasted twice, this is a clear standout in the vintage.'' Jane Anson Best Pauillac Wines Tasted 2020 En Primeur (12/07/2023) Ratings: 94 Drink: 2026-2040

"Opening in the glass with aromas of dark berries, pencil shavings and new oak, the 2021 Beauregard is medium to full-bodied, broad and layered, with a moderately concentrated core of fruit framed by plenty of powdery tannin that asserts itself on the youthfully firm finish.)." - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (4/29/2022), Ratings: 90+ Drink: 2027-2038