The greatest terroirs are naturally better equipped to deal with the challenges of the vintage, but 2021 – for both the Left and Right Banks – was defined by people who had the skill, tenacity, and resources to act decisively and consistently throughout the year.

A spell of good weather in time for the harvest meant the Cabernet Sauvignon could ripen fully into October and the best examples on the Left Bank were able to get the most from this grape, with some estates choosing almost all-Cabernet blends.