2021 Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau Vin De France XXI

The 2021 Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau Vin De France XXI is one-off wine from a challenging vintage. This unique blend, the only wine produced by Dagueneau from the 2021 harvest, brings together parcels usually destined for Pur Sang, Buisson-Renard, Les Monts-Damnés, and Silex, with a touch from the legendary Clos du Calvaire. The result is a racy, vibrant wine with cool fruit and the signature rapier-like intensity that this Domaine is known for.

Aged on lees for 10 months in a variety of oak vessels, this wine is immediately captivating with its citrus, fresh herbs, and characteristic salty, chalky minerality. The texture is compact and svelte, reminiscent of Dagueneau's earlier vintages before the climate began to warm. Despite the vintage’s challenges, including a significant crop loss and high levels of rot, the 2021 XXI is a compelling drink.

 Its bracing freshness and mineral complexity make it a fascinating interpretation of the vintage. Whether you're a longtime fan of Dagueneau or new to his wines, this is a great way to get to know this renowned producer.

Just a handful of bottles available.

94 points
"After a solar vintage with exotic notes in 2020, which is in top form today, 2021 returns to a fresher balance, with noble herbal notes that have become rare in recent years. Nevertheless, this XXI draws on an extremely tasty richness, well nourished by meticulous wood aging (barrels, demi-muids). A delicate texture, supported by beautiful bitters. Patience [required]. As usual, this Sauvignon will be very restrained in its youth. It will need five to six years to relax and loosen up. No doubt, it will evolve serenely for more than fifteen years."
- Rebecca Gibb MW (Vinous)