Bordeaux Primeurs 2022: our opinions following the tastings

Bordeaux Primeurs 2022

An exceptional vintage in many respectsThe tasting of the 2022 wines was eagerly awaited. In April, after much speculation about the vintage's quality, 2022 was bound to be a topic of discussion, especially after a difficult 2021 for viticulture. The start of 2022, however, was marked by stress in the vineyards, with little to no rain, amounting to less than 200 mm in the first four months of the year. In early April, frost threatened the region and affected some plots. In June, a hailstorm hit the vineyards harder, with storms affecting the Médoc region and some plots in Pomerol. The drought then persisted throughout the summer, but the vine, a plant of remarkable resilience, adapted. The skins of the grapes thickened, the juice concentrated, and the roots drew nutrients deep into the soil. Changes in viticultural practices have also helped, with less leaf removal, more plant cover and adapted harvesting.

Against all odds, the wines of this solar vintage possess a lovely freshness and one impressive generosity. The wines are dense, on intense fruity notes with silky tannins and elegantThey possess a balance and one complexity foreshadowing a very good storage potential. 

What struck us during the tastings was the fact that the terroirs expressed themselves in their finest form, and this was true for each appellation. Each château has a unique identity leading to wonderful discoveries and pleasant surprises.

So we put our noses and palates to work during this week of tasting to share our impressions with you: In pictures, our visits to the Bordeaux castles

Left Bank

A sunny vintage that is certainly characterized by fairly high alcohol levels but counterbalanced by a freshness definitely presentThe wines are dense, on beautiful notes of black fruitswith silky and elegant tannins. A lot of power and complexity emanate from each tasting. 

Saint-Estèphe: 

A lovely vintage marked by black fruit and a tannic structure. The palate is pleasant, enveloping and mouthwatering; very fine wines for aging.

❤️ Favorites of the appellation: Château Cos d'Estournel And Château Meyney.

Pauillac:

These wines possess a beautiful complexity and a striking balance. We have already thoroughly enjoyed tasting them. These characteristics suggest great potential for these future fine wines.

❤️ Favorites of the appellation: Château Pichon Baron, Château Duhart-Milon And Château Mouton Rothschild.

Saint-Julien :

Undoubtedly the most consistent appellation in terms of taste. Each terroir speaks for itself, while retaining the characteristics of a great wine. Saint-Julien : freshness, elegance and complexity.

❤️ Favorites of the appellation: Château Talbot, Château Léoville Poyferré and Château Langoa Barton.

Margaux :

Despite alcohol levels higher than what is typically associated with this appellation, Margaux It plays with finesse and subtlety by offering wines of beautiful freshness, marked by lovely fruit and a silky tannic structure.

❤️ Favorites of the appellation: Château Rauzan-Ségla And Château Durfort-Viviens.

Pessac-Léognan:

Despite the heat of the vintage, the wines possess a lovely freshness, finesse and elegance with the lusciousness of beautiful fruits. 

❤️ Favorites of the appellation: Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Domaine of Chevalier And Château Larrivet Haut-Brion.

 

Right Bank

Despite an extremely vintage hotThe right bank has managed to control the alcohol content of its wines, which is often criticized. The vintage is a great successThe wines are juicy And densewith pretty crunchy fruitsJust as on the left bank, the terroir expresses itself in the opposite way to the “extreme and alcoholic vintage” effect that one might have feared. The limestone terroir, having done its work during the drought, expresses itself with great finesse through the wines, like a reward.

Saint-Emilion: 

A beautiful vintage that reflects the terroir. The palate is smooth, marked by crisp fruit. The wines are dense and majestic. We particularly commend the wines made with minimal extraction. 

❤️ Favorites of the appellation: Château Cheval Blanc, Château Canon, Château Figeac And Château Berliquet.

Pomerol: 

Just like its neighbor Saint-Émilion, the 2022 vintage in Pomerol is vibrant and imbued with its rich terroir. Complexity, freshness, and finesse perfectly summarize the wines we tasted. 

❤️ Favorites of the appellation: Château Clinet, Château The Petrus Flower, Château Red mullet and Château Lafleur.

Bordeaux Primeurs 2022