Rated 94 by Sara d'Amato (September 2021): “Immediately endearing, this assemblage of 43% cabernet sauvignon, 42% merlot, 14% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot is well-structured poised. Notably concentrated and refined with plush but grippy tannins. Upfront and yet not entirely revealing. Youthful and needing further time in bottle for best expression. Best 2023-2029. Value Rating: *****”

Rated 93 by John Szabo (September 2021): “This is classy and composed, polished left bank Bordeaux with about equal parts merlot and cabernet sauvignon, with 14% cabernet franc and a dash of petit verdot. The nose is already open and engaging, showing plenty of fresh-ripe, dark fruit, plums and cassis, alongside high-quality oak-derived spice and savory herbs. The palate is mid-weight at 13.5% alcohol declared, with finely detailed tannins and succulent acids, the entire ensemble in lovely harmony. I find this a graceful and beautifully balanced wine, enticing even at this young stage, though better no doubt from 2024-2034 or so. Delivers more than the appellation might imply and represents fine value in the realm of premium Bordeaux. Value Rating: *****”

Rated 92 by David Lawrason (September 2021): “Here's an ample, deeply colored and ripe left bank Bordeaux from a hot year. It still needs time to unwind and drop some tannin, but it is quite showy now as well with ripe mulberry fruit, red rose florality, fresh cedar bough and some rosemary. Oak spice is nicely wound. It is medium-full bodied, fairly dense and firm with cedary and earthy notes on the finish. Excellent length. Best 2025 to 2033. Value Rating: ***”

Rated 92 by Michael Godel (September 2021): “Château Hourtin Ducasse is found close to (and north from) Saint-Éstephe. Their top wine is composed from cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, petit verdot in an expertly traditional way. Forest floor, vegetative mulch and notable volatile rises mix and match for a wine of palpable terroir. Seems grounded while acting simultaneously airy, of oscillations and waves that keep one's tastebuds alert and at the ready. Tannins also act this way, shy at first but then accumulating, stepping away and then circling back for more structural gains. Give this some time to integrate. Drink 2023-2027. Value Rating: ****”

Rated 90 by Wine Enthusiast, Roger Voss (3.1.21): “This elegant and balanced wine has rich tannins to go with the blackcurrant fruits. The estate, just south of Saint-Estèphe, has made a ripe wine that will age well. Drink from 2023."

Rated 91 and a silver medal at the International Wine Challenge 2020, in London: "Stewed blackberry potpourri, good intensity, ox blood and minerality. Good depth and rich palate. One to watch" (Panel Chair: Ulrich Hoffmann, Co-Chair: Helen McGinn)

Selected and rated 89 by Andreas Larsson

Selected and rated * by 1001 Dégustations 2021

Selected by the Dussert-Gerber 2021 guide: "A success with this Haut-Médoc 2018 ... it is a wine rich in color and aromas, full-bodied as it should be, very good development, powerful and supple in the mouth. that time."