“EN PRIMEUR OF BORDEAUX VINTAGE 2022”

Finally in April I returned to Bordeaux for the En Primeur of the 2022 vintage.

The last time I had been there was in 2019 for the 2018 vintage, then, later, there was Covid and everything stopped. In January of this year I started looking for the hotel and making appointments with the most important chateaux and subsequently I made my visits to the chateaux that hosted the companies belonging to the Union Great Crus of Bordeaux. Organizing everything is absolutely not easy, fortunately in doing all this I have a secretary who helps me. This year I went with my wife who accompanied me to the center of Bordeaux at the Intercontinental hotel where we had a great time. We left by car from Florence and the first stop was in Avignon, the city of the Popes and the next stop was in the center of Carcassonne at the Hotel De la Citè . The next day I had already started my mental engines, I confess that after four years of absence I was as excited as a child on the first day of school. I didn’t know what the 2022 vintage had been like. I had heard that the vintage had been very difficult due to the hard work done in the vineyard.

On Monday I started with my appointments at the chateaux and the same was true for Tuesday. I then started to go and visit the chateaux that hosted some chateaux of the Union de Grand Bordeaux Crus .

As usual the first appointment was in Margaux at the Chateaux Palmer where I was welcomed by the general sales manager Thomas Duroux where I tasted the very fruity and slightly delicately structured Alter Ego and the Palmer with a bit of ripe fruit on the nose and taste . I then went to Chateaux Margaux and I tasted the three wines together with the general manager Philippe Bascaules who succeeded his friend Paul Pontallier .

I found the wines interesting and enjoyable.

Next stop in Pauillac at the new chateau Lynch Bages . Nice wines but not the fruit of an exceptional vintage.

In Pichon Comtesse I tasted pleasant wines with mature and greenish notes on the nose at the same time.

At Chateau Latour was attended by his friend, the general manager Jean Garandeau , and I appreciated a fantastic Latour , while in Les Forts de Latour on the nose I felt both a green note and a slightly candied fruit.

At Chateau Lafite I enjoyed an excellent first wine with fresh fruit both on the nose and on the palate. At Chateau Pigeon Baron I was warmly welcomed by Corinne Ilic ‘, director of communication and digital market. I have known Corinne for more than twenty years and she has always been nice and kind to me. I tasted the wines with the technical director Pierre Montessus . I found all the wines interesting and in particular the Pichon Baron with a fantastic intense violet on the nose.

I also greeted Christian Seely , general manager of Axa Millésimus , with his usual elegant butterfly.

At Chateau Bridget Canet I met the owners and I appreciated their wine always concentrated in taste but less woody than other times. In the cellar there have been concrete containers for some time.

Afterwards I went to Chateau Lafite where I appreciated their wines and in particular a fruity Lafite both on the nose and on the palate, fresh fruit and fine and elegant tannins. The last appointment of the day was at Chateau Mouton Rothschild where I felt an important Mouton with a structure aimed more at power than elegance.

Busy but enjoyable day.

The next day, as usual I went to Chateau La Misson Upper Brion because the Chateau Upper Brion was closed for tastings due to construction work.

Normally when I go to this chateau I take two hours of my time to taste the wines with absolute tranquility. I met the owner Prince Robert of Luxembourg and his general manager Jean Philippe Delmas and I appreciated their wines. After the tasting I spoke as usual with Jean Philippe about his wines telling him my impressions and my analyses. I then went to Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte where I met the owners Florence and Daniel Cathiard and tasted the wines they produce, also appreciating their top-of-the-range white wine, which I preferred to their pleasant red.

I then went to admire the new Chateau cellar Upper Bailly where I met my friend Veronique Sanders , CEO, whom I met several years ago in Merano during the Wine Festival at a tasting where I got to know and appreciated his 1918.

I then went to the Chateau De Fieuzal where I was able to taste some wines from the Pessac-Leognan appellation .

I then went to taste some Sauternes , finding them at times very concentrated and a little opulent in taste.

I met Mr. Guillame Lefebure director of the Chateau Dosiy-Vedrines with whom I spoke about his wine and the 2022 vintage in Sauternes . He kindly invited me to a tasting that was to be held in Rome at the French Embassy. Unfortunately, due to previous commitments, I was unable to accept his invitation.

The next day, as usual, early in the morning, I went to Saint Emilion to the Chateau Ausone by Alain and Pauline Vauthier , unfortunately Pauline was absent, but I had a thousand attentions in the wine service and I had a table, (the only one) at my disposal to evaluate their different wines produced. I appreciated the Chateau Ausone , its magnificent and elegant Cabernet Franc although in the taste I found not a fresh cherry but a ripe, almost candied one. Americans like this note, but I, who am a bit of a purist (I don’t like overbearing wood or overly ripe fruit), don’t like it very much, I find it more of a defect than a quality.

I also spoke with the Chateau ‘s in-house winemaker Ausone and producer of Clos from Baies , Saint Emilion of its wine, an interesting wine both on the nose and on the taste.

I then went to visit Pierre Lurton , the general manager of the chateau. Horse Blanc and Chateau d’ Yquem who as soon as he saw me enter the cellar of the Chateau Horse Blanc came towards me, hugged me and said: “I was waiting for you, I want to know your impressions of the Cheval Blanc “. I tasted it and on the nose I still felt a bit of wood presence ( afternoon chocolate eight :mint and chocolate). Fantastic mouth with fine, elegant and broad silky tannins. Honestly I felt it less ready than its 2015, the year in which it was not produced, the Petit Cheval , when I tasted it in 2016.

Even with the 2022 vintage, Petit Cheval will not be produced .

I then went to Le Pin by Jacques Thienpont where I enjoyed both the IF (with a slightly ripe cherry taste) and the Le Pin, with a measured but pleasant body. I then went to Petrus to the winemaker friend Olivier Berrouet who received me personally alone, who was very keen to know my thoughts on wine.

The wine in my opinion was already almost perfect, fine, elegant with a fantastic violet on the nose and a crunchy cherry in the finish of the taste. It could, in my opinion, have had a little more structure. I complimented Olivier and as usual he accompanied me to the parking lot to my car.

I then went, with great pleasure, to the Chateau Old Chateau Certan , by Alexandre and Guillaume Thienpont and where I found myself tasting the wines of Jacques (Le Pin) and his brother whom I did not know.

Lovely nose also with notes of violet, graphite, and cherry. Crisp cherry flavor. I found the 2022 had memories of the 2009 and 2020.

I then went to the Chateau L’ Eglise Clinet went to see Denis Durantou but not seeing him I asked his daughter Noemie where he was and she replied that her father had passed away two years earlier.

This bad news moved me, I remember that the last time I saw him was in 2019 when I went to taste his wines and in fact I had difficulty recognizing him because he had lost a lot of weight and had a long beard. I have a good memory of Denis, the first times I went to him he followed my tastings and was pleased when I told him that in some of his wines I could smell the violet and he nodded saying that it was not felt in all the vintages.

At the beginning of our acquaintance and for a few years, at the end of the tasting he would ask me for my business card, something he never did again because by then he knew me quite well.

It was a great sadness for me to learn of his passing, unfortunately these are the bad sides of life.

I complimented Noemie on the quality of her wines and the fact that L’ Eglise Clinet had an intense note of violet on the nose. After greeting Noemie with an affectionate hug, I went to the Chateau Nenin where I tasted their wine with a pleasant intense scent of violet on the nose. I tasted all the wines of the property that belongs to the Chateau Leoville Las-Cases . I must say that normally in all the wines, with the exception of a few vintages in which I smelled mainly fresh fruit, I smelled, as in the 2022, the oil varnish. Even in the Loville Las-Cases I smelled violets on my nose. At Chateau La Conseillante I smelled a pleasant cherry on both my nose and taste. I went to Chateau La Conseillante for the first time. Quintus where I tasted their first wine, very structured and with a ripe, almost candied fruit taste.

At the end of the day I went to the Chateau Pavie where I was able to learn that the owner Gerard Perse had merged some of his chateaus into the Chateau Pavie , merging the grapes from its various Chateaux into the Chateau Pavie , practically eliminating the other Chateaux . This had already been done when Mr. Perse purchased Chateau La Clusiere . The last vintage produced by this chateau was 2001. Another novelty was that Gerard Perse stopped producing white wines in favor of red wines. I was used to it, when in the past years I have been to the Chateau Pavie , to taste many wines, instead this year I tasted only four wines. The hectares of cultivated vineyards are many and many are exposed to the south, which means that the grapes ripen a lot due to climate change and easily become candied fruit or almost. A respectful criticism that I make regarding these wines of Mr. Perse is that in the breeding of the wine a lot of new wood is used and this, in my opinion, negatively affects the quality of the wine and the tannins. The tannins dry out and burn the upper gum a little . The next day I went to Saint Estèphe and my first visit was to the Chateau Montrose where I enjoyed their first wine with, among other aromas, a lot of chocolate and ripe cherry on the nose, while on the palate I enjoyed fresh plum but the tannins were a little drying. I then went to do some tastings of wines from the Saint Estèphe appellation and then went to Chateau Cos d’ Estournel where I was received by the owner Mr. Michel Reybier and his winemaker. In 2019 I had tasted the wines of the chateau with his son Raphael Reybier and it had been an interesting tasting since the wines, in the past, from being too woody with a bitterish finish had become fine, delicate, mineral, with a very pleasant drinkability right from the start.

Mr. Michel Rybier accompanied me to a private room in the chateau and his winemaker poured me three red wines that they produce and I began to taste them, understanding that Mr. Reybier wanted me to tell him my impressions, both olfactory and gustatory. It’s like inviting a hare to run! I began to speak, to describe the nose of the wines and their gustatory peculiarities and I saw that Mr. Reybier took note of what I said and this for me was an incentive to continue with my descriptions. When the two white wines were served to me, I was struck by their minerality , flavor, complexity, both olfactory and gustatory.

The Pagodes de Cos, the second wine with less presence of wood, on the nose was so mineral, citrus , floral, ferrous and rich in saltiness and iodine, so fantastic, already ready more than the white Cos. The latter on the nose was floral citrus , savoury mineral and a little woody and flavourful with a pleasant taste of natural tea , lemon and pear.

Describing these wines moves me and makes me write down my pleasure.

Raphael joined us and told me that the family had purchased the Chateau Cos Labory of Saint Estéphe and had me taste the two wines produced, which I had already tasted elsewhere during the morning, asking me what I thought.

I pointed out to them that the Charme de Labory had, in my opinion, problems of over-ripening of the grapes, while the first wine, the Cos Labory, even if it had fresh fruit on the nose and on the palate, on the palate had a bit of invasiveness of the tannins of the wood. I confess that it was a pleasant and interesting tasting and Mr. Michel Reybier was so satisfied with my analyses and my sense of smell that he told me that when he writes the book on the Chateau Cos d’ Estournel he will mention our tasting. Afterwards I went to the chateau where you could taste the wines of the Saint Julien and Margaux appellations .

I must say that finally the Chateaux that hosted the producers of the wines of the respective denominations had a space with tables and chairs dedicated to journalists. How many times in the past years I looked for corners in the tasting rooms to be able to write my notes standing up perhaps leaning on a barrique of furniture.

tasting day , the fourth, also very intense, I left to return to Italy, stopping in Toulouse in a hotel right in the center. A city with Spanish influence both in food and buildings. The next morning we left again with the intention of stopping in Cannes to eat oysters of all kinds. It was very nice to return to Bordeaux for the En Primeur .

Before moving on to the analysis of the wines tasted, it is appropriate to make premises on the climatic trend of the 2022 vintage and on my modest opinion on the vintage itself.

Climate trend for the 2022 vintage.

It was a dry, hot and rainy year. The vines generally resisted the drought and the long heat waves well. Bud break began at the end of March, before the frosts of the first days of April. From the beginning of flowering until the end of the harvest, temperatures were high, 24 degrees of average daytime temperatures even reaching 32 degrees. Fortunately, there were temperature variations during the night. In June there were strong storms that gave life to the vines, after a long period of drought.

2022 was the driest vintage in the last 30 years. It was a dry and hot vintage from the beginning to the end of the cycle. In this vintage, some produced exceptional wines with floral notes on the nose and fresh fruit, while others produced wines with very ripe and even candied fruit. Some in Pomerol made great wines, for example the Chateau Old Chateau Certan produced a ripe and silky Merlot that gave a perfect roundness of taste. Cabernet Franc for its minerality and aromatic persistence gave the wine its typical delicacy. Cabernet Sauvignon brought aromas and flavors.

In conclusion, in my opinion, many producers, given the critical climatic conditions, did not expect to make great wines. Be careful, in my opinion, in general 2022 is not the great vintage as many want to paint it, but it is a vintage where some chateaus have produced great wines, structured wines, there are those who have produced wines with a fairly normal structure, those who have produced wines with overly ripe fruit. Reading out of curiosity the scores given by various international journalists, which I considered excessively high, I asked myself: “did I go to Bordeaux to taste the wines or did I dream it?” It is easy to do as some do, giving exorbitant ratings to gain the favor of the producers, so that everyone would be good.

Luckily, after my return to Italy, I met a winemaker from an important company in Montalcino who went to Bordeaux for work and went around tasting the wines. Talking to him reassured me because he confirmed my thoughts on the 2022 vintage. For some chateaus, it was an exceptional vintage, for others, an excellent vintage, for others still, a good vintage, and for all the others, for me, a vintage not to be repeated.

I have read such high and absurd evaluations even on unknown wines that made me think of stopping going to Bordeaux for En Primeur . Fortunately this thought has abandoned me and I will continue with my work based on honest evaluations, free from any and all economic involvement but moved only by honest and hopefully competent, passionate work.

I need to make a preliminary statement about tannins.

Regarding the width of the tannin, it is important that I make the following clarifications, so that it can be understood. I feel the tannin of the wine on the upper gum. The total width of the tannin is 6/6, that is, the entire width of the upper gum. Obviously, if the tannin is less wide, it could be for example 5/6 and so on. The width of the tannin is important when its quality is good or high level. The wider the tannin, the more worthy of attention the wine is, but the tannin, as I have specified, must be, in any case, of good quality.

Let’s now move on to describing the wines tasted.

CHATEAU PALMER 2022 – red

ALTER EGO

MARGAUX                                                                                                          

(grape variety : 51% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot )

Purple red coat

The olfactory profile reveals aromas of plum, blueberry, chocolate, sweets from the outside of the candy, straw, mint, eucalyptus, licorice grains, black cherry, ending with hints of hairy and juicy red peach.

On the palate you can enjoy a pleasant fruit of plum and blueberry. The body is medium sufficient.

Wine well balanced between alcohol and freshness.

The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6+) initially silky and then drying the upper gum a little . Its gustatory persistence is long. It goes more in width than in depth.

                                                                                                 (90–/92/100)

CHATEAU PALMER 2022 – red

PALMER MARGAUX

(grape variety : 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot )

Purple red color

Olfactory frame made of aromas of fairly dry black fig (maturity of the grapes), mint, eucalyptus, dried plum, liquorice, ripe black cherry, cocoa, ending with whispers of juniper berry.

Pleasant sip that highlights a medium body.

Well-balanced wine with the alcoholic mass dominated by a pleasant freshness and tannins. The latter are sweet, thick, quite broad (5/6), initially velvety and then drying the upper gum a little . Its taste persistence is long.

The wine is pleasant but the grapes are very ripe, nothing to do with the 2018 grapes whose fruits were fresh and juicy.

 (93-95/100)

CHATEAU MARGAUX 2022 – red

PAVILLON ROUGE DU CHATEAU MARGAUX 2022

(grape variety: 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc )

A beautiful purple red shines through.

Bouquet made of aromas of plum, blueberry, chocolate, pea skin (green note), sweets from the outside of the candy, licorice grains, cherry, Kaiser pear, graphite, to finish with balsamic puffs of mint and eucalyptus . The taste encounter highlights a pleasant medium body and flavors of plum and chocolate.

Well-balanced wine with imperceptible alcohol mass thanks to its pleasant freshness and tannins. The latter are sweet, quite broad (5/6+) and silky.

Its taste persistence is long but not very long.

Fine and elegant wine with perfectly ripe fruit and finely silky tannins.

(92-94/100)

CHATEAU MARGAUX 2022

MARGAUX -red

(grape variety : 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc )

Deep purple red dress.

Nose with intense aromas of chocolate and plum followed by Kaiser pear, graphite, blueberry, medicinal herbs, ending with hints of light India ink.

On the palate it has a medium body well-balanced and a chocolate flavor. A well-balanced wine, between alcohol, freshness and tannins. The alcoholic mass is imperceptible. The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6++) silky and thick. Its intense aromatic persistence is long with a chocolate finish and light black marasca cherry.

(96-98/100)

CHATEAU MARGAUX 2022

PAVILLON BLANC DU CHATEAU MARGAUX 2022

MARGAUX – white

(grape variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc )

Straw yellow with greenish reflections.

The intense scent of episperma (the sweetness of boiled chestnut skin) rises from the glass, followed by hawthorn, Coccoina glue (coconut and almond milk), mint and eucalyptus.

On the palate it is savoury and mineral with medium body.

Well-balanced wine with alcoholic mass dominated by minerality and a measured freshness.

Its intense aromatic persistence is long.

Maybe it lacks a bit of freshness.

(92-94/100)

CHATEAU ORMES DE PEZ 2022

SAINT ESTÈPHE -red

( grape variety : 51% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot )

Purple red color.

Nose gratified by aromas of lightly candied cherry, intense graphite, Kaiser pear, chocolate, mint, eucalyptus, plum, pea peel, finishing with light hints of varnish enamel.

On the palate it has flavours reminiscent of ink, plum and chocolate. A perfectly balanced wine with the alcoholic mass dominated by freshness and tannins. The latter are sweet, broad (6/6) initially silky and then dry the upper gum a little . Its aromatic persistence is long and intense with a slightly bitter finish. woody .

Nose mature and a little green evidently there are very mature grapes and slightly greenish grapes (not mature).

(91-93/100)

CHATEAU BATAILLEY

TOWARDS 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety: 54% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot )

Purple red dress.

Olfactory debut made of scents of wood varnish, lemongrass , wood, plum, mint, eucalyptus, chocolate, blueberry, ending with puffs of pea skin.

On tasting it has a medium body and the wine is well balanced in terms of alcohol and freshness.

The tannins are sweet, thick and quite broad (5/6), initially velvety and then drying the upper gum (wood tannins). Its taste persistence is long with a bosié finish .

Wood a bit invasive.

(88-90/100)

CHATEAU HAUT BATAILLEY 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot)

Deep purple red robe.

Nose with aromas of black cherry, plum, mint, eucalyptus, chocolate, graphite, worked leather, blueberry to finish with whispers of milk cream.

The taste has a medium body and an intense chocolate flavour. Alcohol and freshness are in perfect balance with each other while the tannins are sweet, broad (6/6) thick initially velvety and then dry the upper gum. Its taste persistence is long with a slightly bitter finish. bosie .

The fruit is rightly ripe but for me it has too much wood.

(90-92/100)

CHATEAU LYNCH – BAGES

ECHO DE LYNCH BAGES 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety : 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc)

Deep purple red dress.

Balsamic aromas of pine, plum, cherry, woody notes , fresh leather, blond leather, capers, anchovy, blueberry and blackberry.

On the palate the body is medium and the wine, thanks to its freshness, does not even minimally let you feel the alcohol.

The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6) initially velvety and then drying the upper gum.

Its gustatory persistence is long with a flavour of plum and cherry and then woody notes in the finish .

Wood, for me, too invasive.

(89-91/100)

CHATEAU LYNCH – BAGES

LYNCH BAGES 2022

PAUILLAC – red

( grape variety : 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot )

Deep purple red.

It displays aromas of pea skin, cassis , plum, blueberry, cherry, capers, woodsy and chocolate.

On the palate it has a medium body, a plum and blueberry flavour and a good balance of flavours, in fact the alcoholic mass is completely covered by the freshness.

The tannins are sweet, thick, broad (6/6–) initially velvety and then drying the upper gum a little .

Its intense aromatic persistence is long with a woody finish .

The fruit is well ripened apart from the green of the pea skins felt on the nose which denotes an incomplete ripening of certain grapes. In my opinion there is a bit too much new wood, more than the past.

The tannins in the wine are penalized by the tannins in the wood .

(91-93/100)

CHATEAU DE LYNCH – BAGES

BLANC DE LYNCH BAG 2022

PAUILLAC – white

(grape variety : 67% Sauvignon Blanc , 22% Semillon and 11% Muscadelle )

It has a fairly evolved straw yellow colour.

Aromas of jasmine, tomato leaf, rue leaf, iodine, salt, mint, eucalyptus, pasta starch, passion fruit and light papaya. On the palate it reveals a medium body and is generously savory and citrusy (lemon).

Well-balanced wine thanks to the freshness and sapidity that completely dominate the alcoholic mass.

Its intense aromatic persistence is long.

(91-93/100)

CHATEAU DE PEZ 2022

SAINT ESTÈPHE -red

( grape variety : 59% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot )

Purple red coat.

Olfactory range composed of scents of slightly candied cherry , medicinal herbs, after-dinner chocolate eight (chocolate and mint), eucalyptus, plum, blueberry, graphite to finish with puffs of sea water (white inner part of the watermelon rind).

Chocolatey palate . The body is medium and the wine is well balanced with imperceptible alcohol thanks to the freshness and tannins. The latter are sweet, broad (6/6) initially velvety and then dry the upper gum a little . Its taste persistence is long with a continuous chocolate flavor.

The wood is very noticeable both on the nose and in the mouth.

 (91-93/100)

CHATEAU PICHON LONGUEVILLE COMTESSE DE LALANDE

COMTESSE RESERVE 2022

PAUILLAC – red

( grape variety : 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc )

Deep purple red dress

Multifaceted olfactory profile with aromas of cream, mint, chocolate, plum, medicinal herbs, cherry, intense sea water (white inner part of the watermelon peel), medicine chest, starch (spray starch for ironing) light black pepper , nutmeg, blueberry, blackberry, finishing with whispers of licorice sticks.

The body is medium plus and the wine has a flavor of licorice sticks. The alcohol-freshness-tannin axis is in perfect harmony with each other. The tannins are sweet, thick, quite broad (5/6+), initially velvety and then in the finish they dry the upper gum a little . Its persistence is long with a plum finish.

 (92-94/100)

CHATEAU PICHON LONGUEVILLE

COMMISSIONER OF THE LANDE 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc )

Purple red color.

slightly candied black cherry , sea water (the white internal part of the watermelon peel), liquorice, straw, mint, eucalyptus, graphite, violet, light notes of black pepper and nutmeg, finishing with hints of dried tomato.

On tasting it has a medium body and a good balance between alcohol and freshness, the latter completely dominating the former. Flavor of plum and chocolate.

The tannins are sweet, thick, quite broad (5/6++) initially velvety and then dry the upper gum a little . Its taste persistence is long.

There is a mix of different grape ripenings, it needs time but promises well.

(94-96/100)

CHATEAU LATOUR

PAUILLAC DE CHATEAU LATOUR 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety: 48.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46.2% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot )

Purple red.

Olfactory charge made of scents of ash, cherry, plum, worked leather, sea water, light notes of rubber, mint and eucalyptus.

On tasting it has a medium body and has a flavour of squeezed fresh plum and chocolate.

Well-balanced wine for the freshness that dominates the alcoholic mass. The tannins are sweet, thick, quite broad (5/6+), lively and velvety. Its intense aromatic persistence is long.

                                                                                                        (91-93/100)

CHATEAU LATOUR

PAUILLAC DE CHATEAU LATOUR 2018

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety : 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 12% Petit Verdot )

Ruby red color.

Olfactory charge made of aromas of cherry, plum, Tuscan cigar box, peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, natural tea , mint and eucalyptus.

The medium body is sufficient and the wine is well balanced between alcohol and freshness. The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6+) initially silky and then dry and slightly burn the upper gum.

Its intense aromatic persistence is long with a cherry finish.

2019 to 2018 en primeur of this wine I had given 90-92/100

 (92/100)

CHATEAU LATOUR

THE FORTS OF LATOUR 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety: 58.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37.9% Merlot and 3.4% Petit Verdot )

Beautiful cardinal red.

Olfactory sensations of pea skin, intense worked leather, slightly candied cherry , mint, eucalyptus, plum, rosemary, light rubber, violet, finishing with puffs of chocolate.

On the palate you can enjoy pleasant fruit, in particular the slightly candied ripe cherry.

The body is medium and the wine is well balanced, in fact, the alcoholic mass is silenced by the freshness and tannins. The latter are sweet, broad (6/6), initially silky and then dry slightly in the finish.

Its taste persistence is long with a slightly bitter finish. woody .

Uncertain nose between slightly green and very ripe fruit.

(93-95/100)

CHATEAU LATOUR

THE FORTS OF LATOUR 2017

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety : 65.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 0.8 Cabernet Franc)

Ruby red and garnet red color.

The olfactory debut reveals an intense scent of green pepper followed by plum, worked leather, rubber, ballotta (boiled chestnut with wild fennel), mint and eucalyptus.

On the palate it reveals a medium body with the right amount of body and a good balance between alcohol and freshness.

The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6) and velvety. Its gustatory persistence is long.

                                                                                                              (92/100)

CHATEAU LATOUR

GRAND VIN DE CHATEAU LATOUR 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety: 92.45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7.4% Merlot and 0.15% Petit Verdot )

Shines purple red

It unfolds aromas of plum, blueberry, fireplace ash, intense notes of worked leather, lemongrass , finishing with a hint of Kaiser pear.

On the palate it is a triumph of pleasantness, the body is medium and the wine is perfectly balanced with freshness and tannins that dominate the alcoholic mass without second thoughts. The tannins are sweet, thick, wide (6/6) silky and chocolatey .

Its taste persistence is long with a cherry and chocolate finish.

 (98-100/100)

CHATEAU LATOUR

GRAND VIN DE CHATEAU LATOUR 2015

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety: 97.1% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.6% Merlot and 0.3% Petit Verdot )

Garnet red coat.

The olfactory casket reveals scents of cherry, plum, mint, eucalyptus, laurel, sage, green pepper, starch (spray starch for ironing), sweet pipe tobacco that reminds me of “Clan”, ending with puffs of rhubarb root.

slightly candied cherry . The body is medium and the wine is well balanced with freshness dominating the alcoholic mass. The tannins are sweet, broad (6/6–) initially velvety and then slightly drying the upper gum. Its taste persistence is long with a sweet finish of “Clan” pipe tobacco.

2016 en primeur I gave this wine 94-96/100

(96/100)

CHATEAU LAFITE

LAFITE CARROWS 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety : 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot )

Purple red

The olfactory encounter reveals aromas of Kaiser pear, mint, eucalyptus, slightly candied cherry , plum, black pepper, nutmeg, rosemary, sage and laurel.

The body is medium sufficient plus. Well balanced wine thanks in particular to the freshness.

The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6+) initially silky and then drying the upper gum a little . Its taste persistence is long with a cherry and chocolate finish.

 (91-93/100)

CHATEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety : 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot )

Purple red dress

Olfactory profile characterized by aromas of India ink, plum, mint, eucalyptus, almond shell, blueberry and cassis .

Amazing mouthfeel, medium body, elegant. Flavors of plum and chocolate.

Perfect balance of taste with the imperceptible alcoholic mass thanks also to a pleasant freshness. The tannins are sweet, broad (6/6) fine and silky.

Its gustatory persistence is long with a finish of squeezed plum and cherry. Elegant and pleasant wine currently a little closed to the nose, in the mouth I found it perfect.

(98-100/100)

CHATEAU DUHART-MILON

MOULIN DE DUHART 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety: 87% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Cardinal’s mantle

Nose composed of aromas of crisp cherry, mint, eucalyptus, black pepper, nutmeg, rosemary, sage, bay leaves and plum.

Palate ecstatic with a pleasant cherry. The body is medium sufficient. Balance a bit fluctuating between alcohol and freshness.

The tannins are a little tight (4/6++) sweet, initially silky then drying and slightly burning the upper gum. Its persistence is long with a cherry finish.

I rewarded the freshness of the fruit.

(88-90/100)

CHATEAU DUHART-MILON 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety : 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot)

Purple red robe.

Olfactory system composed of aromas of plum, Indian ink, cherry, sweets from the outside of the candy, finely tanned leather, almond shell, rosemary and sage.

Mouth with cherry and plum flavor.

The body is medium and the wine is well balanced for alcohol and freshness. The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6-) initially silky then dry and slightly burn the upper gum. Its persistence is long with a sweet finish on the outside of the candy.

(91-93/100)

CHATEAU PIBRAN 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety: 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Purple red.

Olfactory register made up of aromas of cherry, woody notes , mint, eucalyptus, medicine chest, chocolate, earth, hints of plum, Kaiser pear and ending with a whiff of peeled tomato.

On the palate you can enjoy a fresh crunchy cherry accompanied by chocolate. The body is medium and the wine is well balanced with the alcoholic mass silenced by the freshness and tannins. The latter are sweet, thick and quite large (5/6+) initially silky and then slightly drying the upper gum.

 (92-94/100)

CHATEAU PICHON – LONGUEVILLE BARON

LES TOURELLES DE LONGUEVILLE 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety : 65% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Cabernet Franc )

Purple red coat.

Nose marked by aromas of intense liquorice, followed by lightly alcohol-preserved cherry, eucalyptus, sacristy furniture (incense) to finish with hints of boiled chestnut with wild fennel.

Palate satisfied by a medium body and flavors of chocolate and cherry both crunchy and in alcohol.

Balanced wine even if you can feel a little alcohol from the cherry in alcohol, the time in the bottle will make it lose.

The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6–) and velvety. Its taste persistence is long with a slightly bitter finish. woody that reminds me of chocolate after eight (chocolate and mint).

The wine should lose some of the invasiveness of the wood.

 (90-92/100)

CHATEAU PICHON – LONGUEVILLE BARON

LES GRIFFONS DE PICHON BARON 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety : 50% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot )

Purple red color

Intense hint of graphite followed by cherry, Kaiser pear, hints of denatured alcohol, peeled tomato, boiled chestnut with dried wild fennel, straw to finish with delicate puffs of violet.

On the palate it has a chocolate and cherry flavour and a medium plus body.

Wine well balanced between alcohol and freshness.

The tannins are sweet, broad (6/6–) thick and velvety. Its taste persistence is more than long with a chocolate finish.

(93-95/100)

CHATEAU PICHON – LONGUEVILLE BARON

AU BARON DE PICHON LONGUEVILLE 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot)

Ruby red with purple hues.

At the olfactory encounter you can enjoy aromas of chocolate, intense violet, graphite, cherry, light mint and eucalyptus, black pepper, nutmeg, Marseille soap to finish with whispers of boiled chestnut with dried wild fennel (ballotta).

We are faced with a medium-bodied, reinforced, important. Good taste balance between alcohol and freshness. The tannins are sweet, thick, wide (6/6–) initially velvety and then dry, slightly, the upper gum. Chocolate flavor that remains during its long intense aromatic persistence.

The taste should lose a bit of wood.

(96-98/100)

CHATEAU SUDUIRAUT

LIONS DE SUDUIRAUT BLANC SEC 2022

BORDEAUX – dry white

(grape variety: 54% Sémillon and 46% Sauvignon Blanc )

It appears straw yellow.

Olfactory baggage made up of scents of jasmine, Kaiser pear, rue leaf, tomato leaf, mint, eucalyptus, fresh leather, blond leather, star anise, fennel and episperm (sweet boiled chestnut skin).

On the palate it is very savoury and has a flavour of star anise and lemon.

The body is medium and the wine is well balanced with freshness and flavour completely dominating the alcohol content.

(90-92/100)

CHATEAU SUDUIRAUT

VIEILLES VIGNES GRAN VIN BLANC SEC 2022

BORDEAUX – dry white

(grape variety : 55% Sémillon and 45% Sauvignon Blanc )

Straw yellow with green reflections.

Olfactory casket made of scents of jasmine, lemon, yellow grapefruit, rue leaf, tomato leaf and episperm (sweet boiled chestnut skin).

Important palate both for the body, medium plus, and for the generous palate accompanied by minerality .

A well-balanced wine thanks to its freshness, minerality and flavour which do not allow the alcohol content to be perceived even minimally.

Its intense aromatic persistence is long with a salt and lemon finish.

(94-96/100)

CHATEAU SUDUIRAUT

PUR SEMILLON GRAND VIN BLANC SEC 2022

BORDEAUX – dry white

(grape variety: 100% Sémillon )

Straw yellow with green reflections.

At the olfactory encounter it has floral scents of jasmine followed by intense pear thigh, salt, white peach, oil varnish and episperm (it is the sweetness of the skin of boiled chestnut)

The taste is salty but not cloying and has a medium plus body.

The wine is well balanced and has a flavour of white peach, pear and salt which remain in the finish during its long intense aromatic persistence.

(93-95/100)

CHATEAU SUDUIRAUT

SUDIRAUT 2022

Sauternes

(grape variety : 100% Sémillon )

Golden yellow with amber reflections.

It evokes scents of honey, chamomile, dried mirabelle apricot , bitter orange jam, ending with caresses of cotton candy.

On the palate it has a medium body and is very sweet, concentrated, but not cloying.

Well balanced wine with freshness commanding the taste balance.

Its intense aromatic persistence is long with a caramelized sugar finish.

(93-95/100)

CHATEAU PONTET CANET 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety: 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot)

An intense purple-black red shines through the glass.

Aromatic imprint of plum, black cherry, medicinal herbs, mint, eucalyptus, chocolate, oil varnish, blackberry, blueberry to finish with woody notes .

The taste has a medium plus body and a plum and chocolate flavor. Balanced wine with freshness and tannins that dominate the alcohol mass. The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6) and velvety.

Its taste persistence is very long with a slightly candied cherry finish and a slight bitterness perhaps due to the wood. Despite the use of cement, you can always feel the wood.

(93-95/100)

CHATEAU CLERC MILON 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety: 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carmenère )

Purple red.

Olfactory casket of slightly candied cherry , mint, eucalyptus, plum, chocolate, rosemary, sage, rubber to finish with a light sweet woody note of episperm (boiled chestnut skin).

On tasting the body is medium, a little weak, which becomes a little thinner.

Wine well balanced between alcohol and freshness.

The tannins are sweet and quite broad (5/6+) initially silky and then slightly dry the upper gum. Its intense aromatic persistence is long with a chocolate and woody finish (a little bitter I think due to the wood).

The fruit is a little evolved and there is some wood which will have to be lost a little .

(91-93/100)

CHATEAU D’ARMAILHAC 2022

BARON PHILIPPE DE ROTHSCHILD

PAUILLAC – red

( grape variety : 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot )

Purple red robe.

slightly candied cherry followed by mint, eucalyptus, plum, chocolate, hints of green pepper, graphite to finish with sweet woody whispers of episperm (boiled chestnut skin).

Chocolate flavor in a medium body.

Alcohol-freshness axis tannins in perfect balance between them. The tannins are sweet, thick, quite broad (5/6) initially velvety and then dry the upper gum a little . Its taste persistence is long.

(92-94/100)

CHATEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD

PETIT MOUTON 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety: 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot)

Deep purple-black.

On the nose it recalls aromas of mint, eucalyptus, almond shell, chocolate, plum, black cherry, boiled chestnut with dried wild fennel (ballotta), blueberries and ends with an aroma of peeled tomatoes.

Upon entering the oral cavity, a medium plus body and a good taste balance with the imperceptible alcoholic mass are perceived.

The tannins are sweet, thick, quite broad (5/6) and velvety.

Flavor of plum and chocolate.

Its aromatic persistence is long and intense with a slightly bitter finish . woody (episperm).

I remember that I liked 2018 better.

(92-94/100)

CHATEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD

MOUTON 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety : 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot)

Deep purple-black color.

It expresses an interpenetration with woody , intense hints of plum and chocolate followed by slightly candied cherry , mint, eucalyptus, almond shell and ends with caresses of blueberries.

On the palate it has a nice texture, a medium plus body (a little less than the Petit but more elegant). Flavors of chocolate and plum. Well balanced wine with freshness and tannins that dominate the alcohol mass.

The tannins are sweet, thick, broad (6/6–) and velvety. At the moment it is a more powerful than elegant wine.                                                                                                                     

(95-97/100)

CHATEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD

SILVER HEART 2022

BORDEAUX – dry white

(grape variety: 52% Sauvignon Blanc , 39% Sémillon , 8% Sauvignon Gris and 1% Muscadelle )

Straw yellow dress with light golden reflections.

The nose features an intense woody aroma of episperm (the sweetness of boiled chestnut skin) followed by pear, white flowers, salt and lemon peel.

The taste is savoury and medium-bodied. A well-balanced wine thanks to its generous freshness and flavour.

Its taste persistence is long. I remember that the 2018 impressed me more positively.               

   (92-94/100)

CHATEAU COUTET 2022

BARSAC – SAUTERNES

(grape variety: 94% Sémillon , 5% Sauvignon Blanc and 1% Muscadelle )

Golden yellow coat.

On the nose it releases aromas of bitter orange jam, dried apricot, chamomile and ends with aromas of acacia honey.

On the palate it is sweet with a honey flavour and has a medium body.

Well-balanced wine with freshness dominating the alcoholic mass.

Its taste persistence is long with a chamomile finish.

It is very sweet, slightly cloying.

(91-93/100)

CHATEAU CLERC MILON

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc , 2% Carmenère and 1% Petiti Green )

Mix of ruby red and purple.

On the nose it reveals aromas of evolved fruit of slightly candied cherry , mint, eucalyptus, plum, cherry and blueberry.

On the palate it has a medium body and has a smoky and plum flavour.

Well-balanced wine with freshness and tannins in relief on the alcoholic mass. The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6++), initially velvety and then drying the upper gum a little .

Its taste persistence is long with a chocolate finish.

(90-92/100)

CHATEAU LA MISSION HAUT BRION

THE CHAPPELLE DE LA MISSION HAUT BRION 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

(grape variety: 55.9% Merlot, 35.4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8.4% Cabernet Franc )

Purple red dress.

The nose is incredibly varied and generous with aromas of black cherry, light mint and intense After chocolate. eight , eucalyptus, worked leather, plum, split candy (sweet on the outside and almond), sweet pipe tobacco, peeled tomatoes, intense amber, blueberry, rosemary, sage, India ink, light hints of black dried fig, black pepper, nutmeg and light final hints of cream.

Fruity mouth of plum and black cherry. The body is medium and the wine has the alcohol-freshness-tannin axis in perfect balance between them. The tannins are sweet, not very broad (4/6++) and silky.

Its taste persistence is long with a finish of plum and cherry.

Fine and elegant wine but with slightly tight tannins .

(92-93/100)

CHATEAU HAUT BRION

LA CLARENCE DE HAUT BRION 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

( grape variety : 62.1% Merlot, 21.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% Cabernet Franc and 1.5% Petit Verdot )

Purple red coat.

From the glass rise aromas of plum, cherry, incense, sweets from the outside of the candy, mint, eucalyptus, amber, quite intense notes of nutmeg, black pepper, red apple, small grains of licorice, light notes of rosemary and sage, balsamic notes of pine, finishing with puffs of graphite.

Mouth with flavors reminiscent of plum, black cherry and licorice.

The body is medium and the wine is well balanced.

The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6) initially silky and then slightly drying the upper gum.

 (92-94/100)

CHATEAU LA MISSION HAUT BRION 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

(grape variety: 51.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43.2% Merlot and 5.1% Cabernet Franc )

Purple red color

Volcanic nose with a myriad of aromas including black cherry, amber, fireplace ash, intense plum, blueberry, mint, eucalyptus, hints of fernet Branca mint (wood?), black pepper, nutmeg, hints of cream, rosemary, sage, bay leaves to finish with whispers of graphite.

The body is medium-fine. Well-balanced wine thanks to the freshness and tannins that dominate the alcoholic mass. The tannins are sweet, broad (6/6–), fine and silky.

Its taste persistence is long with a finish of plum and blueberry.

Wine that focuses more on finesse than power.

(93-95/100)

CHATEAU HAUT BRION

HAUT BRION 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

(grape variety: 53.6% Merlot, 35.4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc )

Deep purple red robe.

Aromas of black cherry, plum, amber, incense, ripe blackberry, mint, eucalyptus, black pepper, intense notes of nutmeg, peeled tomatoes, almond and hairy red peach.

On the palate the body is medium-sufficient plus.

Balanced wine thanks to freshness and tannins. The latter are sweet, fine, broad (6/6-), initially velvety and then drying the upper gum a little .

Its taste persistence is long.

This wine has a little more structure than La Misson but has slightly drying tannins .

                                                                                       (94-96/100)

CHATEAU HAUT BRION

THE CLARTE DE HAUT BRION 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – white

(grape variety: 53.7% Sauvignon Blanc and 46.3% Sémillon)

Straw yellow color with gray reflections.

Bouquet of aromas of hazelnut, hawthorn, white pepper, lemon, salty, mint, eucalyptus, Marseille soap, episperm (sweet boiled chestnut skin) to finish with puffs of amber.

On the palate it has a sufficient medium body, flavours of lemon and natural tea .

Balanced wine thanks to the freshness and flavor that dominate the alcoholic mass. Its taste persistence is long.

 (91-93/100)

CHATEAU LA MISSION HAUT BRION BLANC 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – white

(grape variety: 72% Sémillon and 28% Sauvignon Blanc )

Straw yellow.

It expresses a beautiful interpenetration of aromas among which episperm (sweetness of boiled chestnut skin), lemon, jasmine, rue leaf, tomato leaf, intense notes of graphite, salt and iodine stand out.

The body is medium-sufficient and the wine is savoury and citrusy with lemon.

Well-balanced wine thanks to the pleasant freshness and sapidity that dominate the alcoholic mass.

Its taste persistence is long with a finish of lemon and yellow grapefruit.

(93-95/100)

CHATEAU HAUT BRION

HAUT BRION BLANC 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – white

(grape variety : 51.4% Sémillon and 48.5% Sauvignon Blanc )

It has a fairly light straw yellow colour.

Olfactory overview made up of an initial scent of car gasoline, followed by episperm, amber, intense graphite, light jasmine and ending with a pinch of salt.

On the palate it has a medium body (slightly more than La Mission ), an intense flavour of salt and lemon. A well-balanced wine thanks to the freshness and flavour that dominate the alcoholic mass. Its taste persistence is long.

(94-96/100)

CHATEAU SMITH HAUT LAFITTE

SMITH’S HEADS 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

(grape variety: 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Purple red.

Bouquet composed of cherry aromas, light black truffle, mint, eucalyptus, black pepper, nutmeg, oil varnish and plum.

Plum flavour. The body is medium and the wine is balanced. The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6+) initially velvety and then dry the upper gum a little . Its taste persistence is long.

(89-91/100)

CHATEAU LE THIL

COUNT CLARY 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

(grape variety: 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc )

Ruby red and purple.

Olfactory system made of aromas of cherry, oil paint, mint, eucalyptus, black truffle, graphite, hints of rosemary, sage and ending with hints of peeled tomatoes.

On tasting it has a pleasant sweetness and a medium body. Balanced wine, with imperceptible alcohol mass. The tannins are sweet, a little central (4/6++), thick and velvety.

Its persistence is long but not very long. It goes more horizontally than vertically.

                                                                                     (90-92/100)

CHATEAU SMITH HAUT LAFITTE LE PETIT 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

(grape variety: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot)

Ruby red and purple

Olfactory prelude of plum, mint, eucalyptus, oil varnish, light pea peel, intense blackberry to finish with a caress of graphite.

Sip with flavors of chocolate, plum and blueberry.

The body is medium, a little thin but pleasant.

Balanced wine with sweet tannins, quite broad (5/6) initially velvety and then drying the upper gum a little .

Its taste persistence is long.

(89-91/100)

CHATEAU SMITH HAUT LAFITTE 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

(grape variety: 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot )

Deep purple-black color.

Articulated on the nose in tones of Indian ink, oil paint, pea peel, mint, plum, tomato preserve, graphite to finish with puffs of natural tea.

On the palate it is rich and pleasant with medium body and flavours of plum and chocolate.

Well-balanced wine with the alcoholic mass dominated by freshness and tannins. The latter are sweet, broad (6/6-) a little raw, initially velvety and then drying the upper gum a little . Its gustatory persistence is long with a graphite finish.

                                (93-95/100)

CHATEAU SMITH HAUT LAFITTE

THE SMITH HAUTS

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – white

(grape variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc )

Straw yellow with grey reflections.

Pleasant sequence of scents of jasmine, rue leaf, tomato leaf, Marseille soap, white pepper and lemon.

Flavor of episperm (sweet boiled chestnut skin). The body is medium and at this point the balance is a bit swinging between alcohol and freshness.

citrusy lemon wine .

Its persistence is long with a Marseille soap finish.

With the rest of the wine in the bottle the wine will become more balanced.

(88-90/100)

CHATEAU SMITH HAUT LAFITTE

LE PETIT SMITH HAUT LAFITTE 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – white

(grape variety: 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sémillon )

Straw yellow color with green and grey reflections.

It is proposed with scents of graphite, nail polish, lemon, light jasmine, rue leaf, tomato leaf, Marseille soap, lemon peel and episperm (sweet boiled chestnut skin).

On the palate it is pleasantly, intensely savoury and has a flavour of lemon, episperm and lemon peel. The body is medium and the wine is almost totally balanced, with the rest of the wine in the bottle it will become completely so.

Its taste persistence is long.

(90-92/100)

CHATEAU SMITH HAUT LAFITTE 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – white

(grape variety: 90% Sauvignon Blanc , 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Sémillon )

It appears straw yellow.

Olfactory debut with intense mineral notes of graphite followed by iodine, jasmine, hints of Marseille soap, tomato leaves and pear thigh.

On tasting it is savoury, almost salty, with a slightly bitter flavour. boisé of episperm, wood and lemon peel. The body is medium and the wine is perfectly balanced with the alcoholic mass dominated by freshness and sapidity.

Its intense aromatic persistence is long.

(94-96/100)

CHATEAU HAUT BAILLY

HAUT BAILLY II 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

( grape variety : 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot )

Ruby red – purple.

The olfactory approach clearly perceives aromas of ripe cherry and plum, both ripe and slightly dried , mint, eucalyptus, oil varnish and finally hints of dried tomato.

Pleasant to drink for its freshness, the body is medium and it has fruity flavours.

Well-balanced wine. The tannins are broad (6/6–), sweet, initially velvety and then dry the upper gum a bit . Its taste persistence is long with a finish of hydrolytin (it is the powder that transforms still water into sparkling water), plum and cherry.

Pleasant wine, you can perceive that some grapes have had a normal maturation and others a greater maturation.

(90-92/100)

CHATEAU HAUT BAILLY

HAUT BAILLY 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

( grape variety : 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc)

Ruby red-purple dress

Olfactory fan made up of aromas of slightly candied cherry , dried plum, natural tea , chocolate, mint, eucalyptus, sweet pipe tobacco (it reminds me of “Clan” tobacco), ending with whispers of tomato preserve.

On the palate it reveals a medium body and a good balance of flavours with the rich freshness that dominates the alcoholic mass. The tannins are sweet, broad (6/6) initially velvety and then slightly dry the upper gum.

Slightly candied cherry flavour .

Its gustatory persistence is long with a finish not of slightly candied fruit but of cherries and plums rich in freshness.

(94-96/100)

CHEVALIER ESTATE 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

(grape variety: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc )

Ruby-purple coat.

Olfactory expression made of smoky aromas (typical of wines of this denomination), intense plum, black pepper, nutmeg, cherry, blueberry, mint, eucalyptus, ballotta (boiled chestnut with wild fennel), fresh leather, blond leather, capers and hints of anchovy.

Mouth pleasantly invaded by generous chocolate and plum. The body is medium and the wine is well balanced between alcohol and freshness. The tannins are sweet and quite broad (5/6-), initially velvety and then dry and slightly burn the upper gum. Its taste persistence is long with a finish, at the moment, slightly bitter.

(93-95/100)

CHATEAU CARBONNIEUX 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

(grape variety: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc )

Purple red.

On the nose, aromas of ripe black cherry, smoke, mint, eucalyptus, plum and blueberry emerge.

On tasting it reveals a medium body and a slight bitter taste. Well-balanced wine with imperceptible alcohol mass thanks to tannins and freshness.

The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6), thick, initially velvety and then dry and slightly burn the upper gum. Its taste persistence is long with a cherry and plum finish.

(89-91/100)

CHATEAU DE FIEUZAL 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

(grape variety : 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot )

Ruby red coat with purple hues.

Olfactory mix made of scents of licorice, plum, sweets from the outside of the candy, mint, eucalyptus, cherry and blueberry.

Mouth with medium body and fig leaf flavor. Wine balanced between alcohol and freshness. The tannins are sweet, thick, quite broad (5/6) initially velvety and then dry the upper gum a little . Its taste persistence is long.

(90-92/100)

CHATEAU DE FRANCE 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

(grape variety: 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc )

Purple red dress.

On the nose, smoke emerges, followed by cooked plum, mint, eucalyptus, ripe black cherry, black pepper, nutmeg, ending with hints of oil paint.

The body is medium plus and the wine has a good taste balance between alcohol and freshness.

The tannins are sweet, thick, quite broad (5/6+) initially velvety and then slightly drying the upper gum. Its taste persistence is long with a chocolate and cherry finish, it almost seems like a chocolate ” Mon Chery “.

(88-90/100)

CHATEAU HAUT-BERGEY

2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

( grape variety : 45% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot )

Cardinal red color.

The olfactory examination reveals a sequence of aromas of candied cherry, liquorice, mint, eucalyptus, laurel and hints of denatured alcohol.

Mouth with body, medium and cherry flavor, wine balanced between alcohol and freshness. The tannins are quite broad (5/6++) sweet, thick, initially velvety and then dry the upper gum a little . Its persistence is long with a finish of dried plum.

In my opinion the grapes were too ripe.

(87-89/100)

CHATEAU LARRIVET HAUT BRION 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

(grape variety: 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc , and 18% Merlot)

Ruby red with purple hues.

Hints of cherry, candied fruit, mint, eucalyptus, dried plum to finish with pinches of natural tea .

On the palate, unlike the nose, you can enjoy a freshly squeezed plum and also dried plum. The body is medium and the wine is well balanced. The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6+) and velvety. Its long gustatory persistence is generous.

 (89-91/100)

CHATEAU LATOUR – MARTILLAC 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

(grape variety: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 8% Petit Verdot )

Ruby red with purple hues.

Nose composed of aromas of candied cherry, chamomile, mint, eucalyptus, sweets from the outside of the candy, starch from raw rice slipped onto the hand, ending with tones of worked leather.

Palate with a cherry flavor and slightly evolved fruit . The body is medium and the balance between alcohol and freshness is slightly fluctuating. The tannins are broad (6/6–) sweet, initially velvety and then dry the upper gum a little . Its persistence is long with a dried plum finish.

The taste balance can be improved by letting the wine rest in the bottle but the evolved fruit will remain as such.

 (88-90/100)

CHATEAU LA LOUVIERE 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

(grape variety: 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc )

It appears ruby red with purple hues.

It offers an olfactory picture made up of aromas of slightly candied red cherry , light hints of smoke, rosemary, sage, bay leaves, mint, eucalyptus and ballotta (boiled chestnut with wild fennel).

Mouthfeel of very ripe fruit reminiscent of candied cherry and slightly cooked plum.

The body is medium and the wine has a good balance between alcohol and freshness.

The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6), thick, initially velvety and then dry and burn the upper gum a little .

Its persistence is long with a finish of squeezed ripe fruit.

 (88-90/100)

CHATEAU MALARTIC-LAGRAVIERE 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

(grape variety: 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 2.5% Petit Verdot and 1,5% Cabernet Franc)

Purple red color.

Bouquet composed of aromas of ripe cherry, plum, sweets from the outside of the candy, worked leather, intense graphite, liquorice, chamomile, varnish, cocoa powder to finish with light woody notes that I remember for the moldy orange peel .

The taste is chocolate-like. The body is medium and the alcohol-freshness-tannin axis is in perfect balance. The tannins are sweet, thick, quite broad (5/6–) initially velvety and then dry and burn the upper gum. Its taste persistence is long with a finish of ripe and also juicy fruit.

(90-92/100)

CHATEAU OLIVIER 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

(grape variety: 49% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot )

Purple cloak.

Nose composed of aromas of ripe and candied cherry, mint, eucalyptus, chamomile, licorice, eilchrysum , woody , pear thigh, worked leather, rosemary, laurel and sage.

On the palate it has medium body, plum and chocolate flavors and a good balance between alcohol and freshness. The tannins are quite velvety and then dry the upper gum a bit .

Its taste persistence is long with a wood and almond finish that leaves a bit of bitterness to the taste.

 (87-89/100)

CHATEAU PAPE CLÉMENT 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

(grape variety : 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Ruby red and purple dress

Olfactory sensation of cherry, plum, varnish, mint, eucalyptus, chocolate, ending with hints of ballotta (boiled chestnut with wild fennel).

Sip with flavors of ripe plum and squeezed cherry. The body is medium and the wine is well balanced with the imperceptible alcohol mass. The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6+), initially velvety and then drying the upper gum a little (due to the tannins of the wood).

Its taste persistence is long.

(92-94/100)

CHATEAU PICQUE CAILLOU 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – red

(grape variety: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot )

Ruby red.

Olfactory fan composed of cherry, varnish, intense rosemary and sage scents followed by light notes of black pepper and nutmeg. The olfactory path ends with a sensation of blueberry.

Mouth with hints of chocolate and cherry.

The body is medium and the wine is well balanced.

The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6–), initially velvety and then dry and burn the upper gum a little .

Its taste persistence is long with a fruity and woody finish.

(89-91/100)

CHATEAU DE FIEUZAL 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – white

(grape variety: 52% Sauvignon Blanc and 45% Sémillon)

Straw yellow dress.

Aromas of jasmine, salt, lemon and episperm (sweet boiled chestnut skin).

On the palate you can appreciate the flavors of salt and lemon. The body is medium, sufficient plus and the wine has a good balance between alcohol and freshness-savory.

Its taste persistence is long but not very long with a citrus lemon finish.

(89-91/100)

CHATEAU DE FRANCE 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – white

(grape variety: 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sémillon )

Fairly intense straw yellow.

On the nose it has aromas of yellow peach, episperma (sweet boiled chestnut skin), graphite, lemon, iodine and chamomile.

The body is medium, the wine is savoury and has a flavour of lemon and episperm.

Balanced wine with freshness and sapidity dominating the alcoholic mass.

Its persistence is long with a lemon tea finish.

(89-91/100)

CHEVALIER ESTATE 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – white

(grape variety: 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon)

Straw yellow robe.

Light aromas of jasmine, rue leaf, tomato leaf, iodine and lemon rise from the glass.

The body is medium and the wine has a good balance between alcohol and freshness, the latter is generous and completely covers the alcoholic mass.

Flavor of lemon and lemon tea.

Its taste persistence is long, in the finish it burns the upper gum a little (tannins from the wood?).

(93-95/100)

CHATEAU CARBONNIEUX 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – white

(grape variety: 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Sémillon )

Straw yellow color.

Aromas of lemon, salt, iodine, episperm (sweet exterior of boiled chestnut), light white pepper, ending with hints of yellow grapefruit.

On the palate it has a lemony flavour and a medium body. A well-balanced wine thanks to the freshness and generous lemony flavour, which dominate the alcoholic mass.

Its taste persistence is long with a lemon and woody finish .

(88-90/100)

CHATEAU LARRIVET HAUT BRION 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – white

(grape variety: 86% Sauvignon Blanc and 14% Sémillon )

Straw yellow color.

Strong scent of intense graphite followed by Marseille soap, lemon and episperm (sweetness of boiled chestnut skin).

The body is medium-just right and has a lemony flavour.

Balanced wine with imperceptible alcoholic mass.

Its persistence is long with a lemon and salt finish.

(88-90/100)

CHATEAU LATOUR – MARTILLAC 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – white

(grape variety: 52% Sauvignon Blanc and 48% Sémillon )

Straw yellow with grey reflections.

Olfactory mix of scents of salt, iodine, episperm (sweet boiled chestnut skin), graphite, lemon, hawthorn and Coccoina glue (coconut milk and almond).

On the palate it has a medium body and an intense lemon flavor. A well-balanced wine thanks to its freshness that dominates the alcoholic mass. Its taste persistence is long with a finish of lemon tea and episperm.

(90-92/100)

CHATEAU LA LOUVIERE 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – white

(grape variety : 100% Sauvignon Blanc )

Straw yellow.

Hints of lemon, woody episperm (sweet from the skin of boiled chestnuts), salt, iodine and graphite.

On tasting it reveals a medium body and intense flavor of lemon and lime.

Well-balanced wine thanks to its freshness. Its taste persistence is long. In the finish the upper gum dries a little (wood tannins).

(89-90/100)

CHATEAU OLIVIER 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – white

(grape variety: 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Sémillon )

Straw yellow

Aromatic breadth with scents of jasmine, iodine, salt, white pepper, fresh celery, aniseed, fresh fennel and finally woody hints of episperm (sweet boiled chestnut skin).

On the palate it has a lemon and lime flavor, it is savory and has a medium body. At this moment the wine has a slightly fluctuating balance between alcohol and freshness, with the rest of the wine in the bottle it will improve its taste balance.

Its taste persistence is long.

(87-89/100)

CHATEAU PAPE CLEMENT 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – white

(grape variety : 63% Sauvignon Blanc , 35% Sémillon and 2% Muscadelle )

Straw yellow.

It opens to the olfactory examination with aromas of episperm (sweet boiled chestnut skin), tropical fruit (mango and papaya), iodine and lemon.

Sip with flavors of episperm, lemon and chamomile.

The body is medium and the wine is savoury and well-balanced, in fact the alcoholic mass is silenced by the freshness and savouriness.

Its intense aromatic persistence is long.

(93-95/100)

CHATEAU PICQUE CAILLOU 2022

PESSAC-LEOGNAN – white

(grape variety: 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Sémillon )

Straw yellow dress.

woody note of episperma (sweetness of boiled chestnut skin) rises from the glass , followed by fresh lemon, salt, celery and fennel.

The taste has important citrus notes of lemon and lime. The body is medium and the wine is balanced thanks to its generous acidity in the sense that the alcoholic mass is not perceived. Its taste persistence is long with a finish of lime and episperm.

For me it will have to lose some of its wood.

(88-90/100)

CHATEAU DOISY VEDRINES 2022

Sauternes

(grape variety: 90% Sémillon , 8% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle)

Golden yellow color.

From the glass rise aromas of honey, dried apricot, chamomile, ending with puffs of orange jam.

On the palate you can feel the sweetness that reminds of honey and dried apricot. The body is medium and the wine despite the sweetness is endowed with freshness that makes the wine balanced without making you feel the alcoholic mass.

Its taste persistence is long.

(91-93/100)

CHATEAU DOISY-DAENE 2022

Barsac – Sauternes

(grape variety: 92% Sèmillon and 8% Sauvignon Blanc )

Golden yellow on green that recalls the color of citron.

Pleasant nose with tones of honey, melon, candy floss, semi-dried apricot and almond shell.

When tasted it has an important structure and is very sweet with a thousand flower honey flavour.

Wine well balanced between alcohol and freshness. A bit opulent, dense wine that perhaps would have needed a bit of freshness.

Its taste persistence is long.

(93-95/100)

CHATEAU BROUSTET 2022

Barsac – Sauternes

(grape variety : 90% Sèmillon , 7% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle )

Golden yellow.

It reveals intense olfactory notes of thousand-flower honey, almond shell, tropical fruit (mango and papaya), dried date and dried apricot.

Mouth with medium body concentrated with honey and dried date.

Wine with good taste balance, in fact you don’t perceive the alcoholic mass but, in my opinion, it would have needed more freshness.

Its intense aromatic persistence is long.

(91-93/100)

CHATEAU DE FARGUES 2022

Sauternes

(grape variety : 85% Sémillon and 15% Sauvignon Blanc )

Beautiful golden yellow.

On the nose it expresses aromas of honey, a thousand flowers, dried apricot, almond shell, graphite, finishing with hints of tropical fruit (mango and papaya).

The taste is sweet and concentrated, reminiscent of wildflower honey and dried apricot. The body is medium and the wine has a balance between alcohol and freshness.

Its taste persistence is long.

 (92-94/100)

CHATEAU GUIRAUD 2022

Sauternes

(grape variety: 65% Sémillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc )

Yellow gold dress

On the nose it expresses aromas of honey, oil varnish, hints of episperma (sweet boiled chestnut skin), ballotta (boiled chestnut with wild fennel), oregano, ending with hints of mint.

The body is medium-large, rather concentrated and sweet. A wine balanced between alcohol and freshness.

In my opinion it is a bit opulent, luckily it ends with the caramel note that mitigates its sweetness.

Its taste persistence is long.

(91-93/100)

CHATEAU HAUT – PEYRAGUEY 2022

Sauternes

(grape variety: 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc )

Golden yellow dress.

Intense aroma of chamomile followed by honey, almond shell and dried apricot.

Sweet mouthfeel of intense honey and dried date.

The body is medium and the wine has a good balance between alcohol and freshness, although in my opinion the wine would have needed more freshness.

Its intense aromatic persistence is long.

(90-92/100)

CHATEAU RIEUSSEC 2022

Sauternes

(grape variety : 91% Sèmillon and 9% Sauvignon Blanc )

Beautiful golden yellow.

Nose at the moment, not particularly varied but with pleasant aromas of honey, bitter orange jam and orange blossom.

Medium sweet body, a bit opulent at the moment, with a slight alternating effect between alcohol and freshness. This wine would also have needed more freshness to tone down the concentration of sweetness a bit .

Its intense aromatic persistence is long with a caramel finish.

( 92-94/100)

CHATEAU LAFAURIE – PEYRAGUEY 2022

Sauternes

(grape variety: 95% Sèmillon and 5% Sauvignon Blanc )

Golden yellow.

Olfactory expression made of aromas of honey, tropical fruit (mango and papaya) balsamic mint and eucalyptus, almond shell, light episperm (sweet boiled chestnut skin) to finish with hints of dried apricot.

On the palate the body is medium intense, opulent, with a taste of honey and caramel. A well-balanced wine between alcohol and freshness.

Its taste persistence is long with a finish of dried date and honey.

(92-94/100)

CHATEAU DE RAYNE VINEYARD 2022

Sauternes

(grape variety: 73% Sèmillon , 24% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle )

Intense golden yellow color.

Olfactory mix made of scents of honey, dried apricot, balsamic mint and eucalyptus, bitter orange jam and almond shell.

The body is medium, a little opulent and the wine is balanced between alcohol and freshness, but it burns the upper gum a little in the finish.

Its intense aromatic persistence is long with a caramel finish.

(91-93/100)

CHATEAU LA TOUR BLANCHE 2022

Sauternes

(grape variety: 85% Sèmillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Muscadelle )

Golden yellow robe.

Olfactory expression made of aromas of honey, graphite, almond shell, hints of dried date to finish with puffs of rose water (white rose).

On the palate it has a medium body and a honey flavor. A wine balanced between alcohol and freshness. Its taste persistence is long with a caramel finish.

Not an opulent wine with a caramel finish that tones down the sweetness a bit .

(92-94/100)

CHATEAU SIMARD 2022

SAINT ÉMILION – red

( grape variety : 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot )

Intense cardinal red.

Rich and varied nose composed of aromas of very ripe, almost candied cherry, mint, eucalyptus, black pepper, nutmeg, hints of dried plum, rosemary, sage, laurel, worked leather, medicine chest, sacristy furniture (incense), ending with caresses of cloves.

Medium plus body and candied cherry flavor.

Despite the nice acidity, the taste balance is slightly fluctuating between alcohol and freshness.

The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6–) initially velvety and then slightly drying the central part of the upper gum.

Its taste persistence is long.

As for the slight taste swing, this will disappear with the rest of the wine in the bottle while due to the ripeness of the fruit it will remain as it is.

(88-90/100)

CHATEAU DE FONBEL 2022

SAINT ÉMILION – red

(grape variety: 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Carménère )

Mix of ruby red and purple.

It releases aromas of lightly candied cherry, amber, sweets from the outside of the candy, black pepper, nutmeg, sacristy furniture (incense), hints of medicinal herbs, black olive, worked leather, hydrolyte (the powder that makes natural water carbonated), black truffle, blueberry and plum.

On the palate the body is medium and the wine has flavours of cherry and cooked plum.

Well-balanced wine thanks to the generous freshness that covers the alcoholic mass.

The tannins are sweet, thick, quite broad (5/6–) initially velvety and then drying the upper gum a little . Its persistence is long with a finish always of cherry and cooked plum.

                                                                                   (91-93/100)

CHATEAU HAUT SIMARD 2022

SAINT ÉMILION – red

(grape variety : 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot)

Deep purple red

From the glass, aromas of fresh and dried plum, light black truffle, black pepper, nutmeg, sweet notes of the outside of the candy, mint, eucalyptus, sacristy furniture (incense), candied cherry, peeled tomatoes pass by, finishing with puffs of chocolate.

Tasting with cherry and chocolate flavor.

The body is medium and the wine is well balanced between alcohol and freshness. The tannins are sweet, thick, quite broad (5/6–), initially velvety and then slightly drying the central part of the upper gum. Its persistence is long with a finish of cooked cherry and chocolate.

                                                                                                (89-91/100)

CHATEAU MOULIN SAINT GEORGES 2022

SAINT ÉMILION – red

(grape variety: 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc)

Deep purple red.

Olfactory debut with a woody note (mint and chocolate that remind me of the ” After ” chocolate Eight “, candied cherry, eucalyptus, black pepper, nutmeg, medicinal herbs, sweet pipe tobacco, blueberries, plum, blackberry, incense and medicine chest.

alcohol-freshness-tannin axis is in perfect balance. The tannins are sweet, thick, quite broad (5/6++) initially velvety and then dry the upper gum a bit . Its taste persistence is long with a squeezed cooked cherry finish.

This wine has always had an important contribution from wood, but I remember 2018 having less than usual.

For me the fruit is too ripe and the wood is a bit invasive.

(89-91/100)

CHATEAU LA CLOTTE

SAINT ÉMILION – red

(grape variety : 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc )

Intense ruby red and purple colours emerge from the glass.

Pleasant nose with intense scent of graphite followed by black pepper, nutmeg, fresh cherry, hints of black truffle, chocolate, medicinal herbs, LPG gas, slightly candied cherry , hints of medicine drawer to finish with hints of straw.

The body is medium and the wine has a chocolate and cherry flavour. The wine is well balanced with velvety tannins and then dries out the upper gum a little .

Its taste persistence is long with a cherry finish and a bit of woodiness .

(92-94/100)

CHATEAU AUSONE

THE CHAPEL OF AUSONE 2022

SAINT ÉMILION – red

(grape variety: 60% Cabernet, 35% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Deep purple coat.

slightly cooked black cherry , mint, eucalyptus, black pepper, nutmeg, medicine chest, light woody notes, sage, finishing with a caress of fresh plum.

On the palate you can enjoy a medium plus body and flavors of chocolate and cherry. The wine is well balanced with the alcoholic mass subjected to freshness and tannins. The latter are sweet, thick, wide (6/6–) initially velvety and then dry the upper gum a little . Its taste persistence is long with a cherry and chocolate finish .

Pleasant wine, even if the fruit is evolved on the nose. It goes more on power than on elegance.

(93-94/100)

CHATEAU AUSONE 2022

SAINT ÉMILION – red

(grape variety : 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Merlot)

Intense ruby red and purple red colour.

On the nose you can recognize a magnificent and elegant Cabernet Franc . Aromas of plum, cherry, blueberry, intense graphite, almond shell, chocolate and fine herbaceous notes typical of Cabernet Franc .

On tasting it reveals a medium plus body and flavours of chocolate and ripe cherry.

Wine perfectly balanced between alcohol and freshness. The tannins are sweet, thick, broad (6/6–) and velvety.

Its taste persistence is long with a finish of candied cherry and almond.

Fine and elegant nose, I preferred it to the nose rather than the taste as the fruit in the taste is very evolved.

(95-97/100)

CHATEAU CLOS DE BAIES 2022

SAINT ÉMILION – red

(grape variety: 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc)

Ruby red and purple.

Bouquet made of aromas of cherry, graphite, incense, mint, eucalyptus, plum, rosemary, laurel and sage.

On the nose it reveals a medium body and flavors of chocolate and cherry. Wine with alcohol-freshness-tannin axis in perfect balance. The tannins are sweet, thick, wide (6/6–) and velvety.

Its taste persistence is long with a finish of chocolate, cherry, plum and blueberries with the right ripeness.

I prefer this to the 2015 and 2016 vintages which were not, at the time, perfectly balanced and I also prefer it to the 2018 because the latter had slightly drying tannins and was less fruity in taste.

(93-95/100)

CHATEAU QUINAULT L’ENCLOS 2022

SAINT ÉMILION – red

(grape variety: 63% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Cabernet Franc )

Deep purple-black dress.

At the beginning of the nose it shows green notes of pea skin and a light herbaceousness that also make it clear that some grapes are not completely ripe. This is followed by aromas of black marasca cherry, mint, eucalyptus, plum, fresh blond leather, capers, anchovy (when the caper is very intense it resembles the smell of anchovy), light rubber, medicine chest, rosemary and sage.

In the mouth you can enjoy a medium body and a flavor of crunchy cherry and chocolate. Perfectly balanced wine with an imperceptible alcohol mass. The tannins are sweet, quite thick, wide (6/6-) and silky. Its taste persistence is long with a chocolate finish. I remember the 2016 as the 2014 with green notes of geranium both on the nose and on the taste, while I liked the 2015, but this 2022 for me is superior to all the ones mentioned even if it has the herbaceous note on the nose. This 2022 for me is powerful, fine and elegant.

                                       (95-97/100)

CHATEAU CHEVAL BLANC 2022

SAINT ÉMILION – red

(grape variety: 53% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Deep purple coat.

The olfactory debut shows woody notes with a light chocolate ” After Eight ” (intense chocolate and mint), eucalyptus, cherry and plum.

The nose is currently a bit closed. I remember that 2015 (a year like 2022 in which the Petit Cheval was not made ) was more ready on the nose than this 2022.

Very pleasant mouth with medium body and flavors of plum and cherry. Perfectly balanced wine with sweet, fine, elegant, broad (6/6) and silky tannins.

The generous freshness completely dominates the alcoholic mass. Its gustatory persistence is long. It is a matter of waiting for the olfactory evolution because in taste we are at the maximum of pleasantness.

This 2022 has more wood presence on the nose than the 2018.

( 98-100/100)

CHATEAU CLINET 2022

POMEROL – red

(grape variety: 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Intense ruby-purple red.

On the nose it expresses aromas of slightly ripe cherry, chocolate, mint, eucalyptus, rosemary, sage, plum and blueberry.

Mouth satisfied by a medium plus body and flavors of ripe cherry (not candied) and chocolate.

Freshness and tannins dominate the alcohol mass. The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6+) and velvety.

Its taste persistence is long with a licorice finish.

Luckily, I didn’t find any candied cherry on the nose or on the palate and I felt less of the presence of wood than in other vintages.

slightly drying tannins . The 2016 had fresh fruit and broader, but more aggressive tannins. The 2015 had candied cherry.

(92-94/100)

CHATEAU BEAUREGARD 2022

POMEROL – red

(grape variety: 67% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Mix of ruby and purple.

The nose reveals aromas of cherry, licorice, mint, eucalyptus, light notes of rosemary and sage.

Chocolate flavor. The body is medium and the wine is perfectly balanced, in fact the alcohol content is dominated by freshness and tannins. The latter are sweet, broad (6/6) and velvety.

Its taste persistence is long with a finish of chocolate and cherry, slightly ripe but not candied.

The 2018 had more olfactory richness but ended on the palate with the chocolate ” Mon Chery “. The ripeness of the cherry, in the taste of 2016 is similar to that of 2022.

                                                                                           (92-94/100)

The IF 2022

SAINT ÉMILION – red

(grape variety: 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc )

Red purple joyous.

The olfactory baggage evokes scents of crunchy cherry, chocolate, incense, red apple, graphite, mint, eucalyptus, light plum to finish with caresses of tomato.

The taste is perceived as medium body and cherry flavor, more mature than the smell, and chocolate. Wine well balanced between alcohol and freshness while the tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6) initially silky and then dry the upper gum a little . Its taste persistence is long.

The 2018 had a fresher cherry taste and the tannins were less broad than the 2022.

The 2016 had the tightest tannins.

(94-96/100)

THE PINS 2022

POMEROL – red

(grape variety: 100% Merlot)

Ruby red-purple

The olfactory proposal is inspired by scents of cherry, graphite, licorice, rosemary, sage, hot cloth starch, raspberry to finish with puffs of chocolate.

The mouth is satisfied by a medium body, and a pleasant freshness. Flavors of cherry and the sweetness of the external part of the candy. Well balanced wine in fact the alcoholic mass is imperceptible. The tannins are sweet, silky, broad (6/6–), initially silky and then slightly dry the upper gum. Its taste persistence is long.

The body is measured and pleasant.

(96-98/100)

PETRUS 2022

POMEROL – red

(grape variety: 100% Merlot)

Cardinal red robe

The aromatic scenario is intriguing with scents of cherry, chocolate, mint, rosemary, sage, laurel, broken raspberry, string of licorice, violet, light hints of oil varnish and ends with hints of nutmeg.

In the mouth it is a triumph of pleasantness, the body is medium sufficient plus. Savoury and mineral wine, with perfect gustatory balance, freshness and tannins completely dominate the alcoholic mass.

The tannins are sweet, broad (6/6) and silky. Its taste persistence is long.

The quality of the tannins reminds me of 2016.

The 2022 has broader tannins than the 2018.

 (99-100/100)

CHATEAU VIEUX CHATEAU CERTAN 2022

POMEROL – red

(grape variety: 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Purple red

Aromatic articulation made of scents of cherry, rubber, violet, chamomile, chocolate, graphite, rosemary, sage, laurel, hints of starch (spray starch for ironing) and liquorice.

in the mouth the beautiful and pleasant freshness immediately stands out. Wine with medium body, savoury and with cherry flavour. The balance is perfectly dominated by the generous freshness and the tannins. The latter are sweet, silky and broad (6/6-).

Its taste persistence is long with a crunchy cherry finish.

This is a poetic wine!

This 2022 resembles both 2009 and 2020.

In 2018 I didn’t smell violet on the nose but the tannins were completely broad.

The vintages that I particularly liked were 2009, 2010, 2015 and 2016.

(98-100/100)

CHATEAU SAINTAYME

SAINTAYME 2022

SAINT ÉMILION- red

(grape variety: 100% Merlot)

Purple red color.

Olfactory expression made of intense scents of licorice string, black truffle, mint, eucalyptus, graphite, cherry and starch (spray starch for ironing).

In the mouth it reveals a medium body. Fairly balanced wine because there is a slight swing between alcohol and freshness at the moment. The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6), initially velvety and then dry and burn the upper gum a little . Its persistence is long with a cherry and chocolate flavor and a finish with a slight bitter sensation.

(88-90/100)

CHATEAU LA CHENADE 2022

LALANDE DE POMEROL – red

(grape variety : 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc )

Ruby red and purple dress.

Aromatic breadth composed of scents of starch (spray starch for ironing), licorice, cherry, sacristy furniture (incense), tomato preserve and almond shell.

In the mouth the body is medium and the wine has a cherry flavor. Balanced wine with freshness dominating the alcoholic mass. The tannins are sweet, broad (6/6–) initially velvety and then dry and burn the upper gum a little . Its intense aromatic persistence is long.

                                                                                                           (89-91/100)

CHATEAU LES CRUZELLES 2022

LALANDE DE POMEROL – red

(grape variety: 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc )

Intense ruby red and purple red colour.

Olfactory casket made of intense scents of black truffle, liquorice, starch (spray starch for ironing), cherry, unlit candle, mint, eucalyptus, ending with hints of incense from the sacristy furniture.

Medium body and black cherry flavor. The wine is well balanced with the alcohol content silenced by freshness and tannins. The latter are sweet, quite broad (5/6+) initially velvety and then drying the upper gum a bit . Its taste persistence is long with an almond shell finish.

I remember that 2015 and 2016 ended up more boisé .

(90-92/100)

CHATEAU MONTLANDRIE 2022

CASTILLON CÔTES de BORDEAUX – red

(grape variety: 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Purple red.

It evokes scents of rubber, black cherry, violet, mint, eucalyptus, laurel, chocolate and ends with hints of worked leather.

Medium-bodied mouthfeel with a chocolate flavour.

Balanced wine with sweet, broad tannins (6/6-) initially velvety and then drying the upper gum a little .

Its taste persistence is long.

(91-93/100)

CHATEAU L’EGLISE CLINET

THE LITTLE CHURCH 2022

POMEROL – red

(grape variety : 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc )

Purple red

From the glass come scents of starch (spray starch for ironing), cherry, plum, hints of rubber, liquorice from the ” Morositas ” sweet, lemongrass , sweets from the outside of the candy, ending with caresses of nutmeg.

Pleasant mouth with flavor of black cherry and liquorice from the gummy candy ” Morositas “. The body is medium and the wine is well balanced between alcohol and freshness. The tannins are sweet, broad (6/6–) and velvety.

Its taste persistence is long.

(91-93/100)

CHATEAU L’EGLISE CLINET 2022

POMEROL – red

(grape variety: 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc )

Intense ruby red and purple

Nose in the scents of finely tanned leather, liquorice, black cherry, intense violet, incense from sacristy furniture, clean sea water (it is the same as the white internal part of the watermelon peel) to finish with woody notes .

Pleasant palate with medium plus body and cherry flavor. Perfectly balanced wine with the alcohol content completely dominated by freshness and tannins. The latter are sweet, broad (6/6) and velvety.

Its taste persistence is long.

This 2022 is superior to the 2018 both on the nose (the 2018 did not have violets) and on the palate for the quality and breadth of the tannins.

For florals, 2022 reminds me of 2016, 2015 and 2010.

Well done Noemie, your father Denis would be very happy with your work.

(96-98/100)

CHATEAU NENIN 2022

POMEROL – red

(grape variety: 64% Merlot and 36% Cabernet Franc )

Intense ruby red and purple-black color.

Olfactory profile characterized by scents of oil paint, chocolate, mint, eucalyptus, cherry and ending with a splendid and intense violet.

On the palate the cherry is ripe, a little cooked.

The body is medium plus and the wine has a good balance between alcohol and freshness.

The tannins are sweet, broad (6/6) and velvety. Its taste persistence is long with a chocolate finish.

Beautiful nose of violets, shame about the very ripe cherry note on the palate which denotes a mix of different grape ripenings.

The 2022 is definitely superior to the 2018.

I remember 2010 with great pleasure.

(92-94/100)

CHATEAU POTENSAC 2022

MEDOC- red

(grape variety: 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36.5% Merlot, 19.5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot )

Deep purple-black dress.

kalehydroscope composed of aromas of cherry, light oil varnish, rosemary, sage, laurel, plum, liquorice, peeled tomatoes, woodsy , ending with puffs of violet.

The body is medium plus, the wine is balanced between alcohol and freshness. The tannins are sweet, broad (6/6) initially velvety and then dry and burn the upper gum a little .

Its taste persistence is long.

I remember 2018 with less structure and more focus on elegance than power.

 (91-93/100)

CHATEAU MARQUIS DE LAS CASES

THE PETIT LION 2022

SAINT JULIEN – red

(grape variety: 55.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38.5% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc)

Dark purple red dress

Aromas of licorice, black pepper, nutmeg, oil varnish, straw, plum, cherry ending with puffs of milk cream.

Alcohol-freshness-tannin axis in perfect balance.

The tannins are sweet, broad (6/6) initially velvety and then slightly dry the upper gum. Its taste persistence is long with a finish of plum and fresh black cherry.

What is striking about this wine is its particular freshness.

One of the best Petit Lions I have tasted.

(92-94/100)

CHATEAU MARQUIS DE TERME 2022

MARGAUX – red

(grape variety: 45.5% Merlot, 44.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc )

Beautiful deep purple-black red.

It releases aromas of licorice string, oil varnish, black cherry, black pepper, nutmeg, mint and eucalyptus. On the palate it shows a medium body, chocolate flavor and the wine is well balanced with the alcoholic mass dominated by freshness and tannins. The latter are sweet, thick, quite large (5/6) initially velvety and then dry and slightly burn the upper gum.

Its persistence is long with a slightly candied cherry finish .

(90-92/100)

CHATEAU LEOVILLE LAS CASES 2022

SAINT JULIEN – red

(grape variety: 89.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10.5% Cabernet Franc and 6% Merlot)

Deep purple-black.

Bouquet made of scents of oil paint, mint, eucalyptus, blueberry, black pepper, nutmeg, black cherry, ending with a very pleasant violet.

The taste shows a medium plus body and flavors of perfectly ripe black fruit. The wine is well balanced with tannins, sweet, broad (6/6-) and velvety. Its intense taste persistence is long.

(96-98/100)

CHATEAU LA CONSEILLANTE 2022

POMEROL – red

(grape variety: 87% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc )

Intense ruby red colour with purple reflections.

The olfactory proposal is inspired by sensations of fresh, crunchy cherry, warm cloth starch, mint, eucalyptus, graphite, lemongrass , chocolate to finish with delicate sensations of violet.

Sip with a pleasant intense flavor of fresh cherry. The body is medium and the wine is well balanced with the imperceptible alcohol mass. The tannins are sweet, broad (6/6–) and silky.

Its taste persistence is long. Fine and elegant wine with fresh fruit.

(96-98/100)

CHATEAU THE GOSPEL

THE BLASION OF THE EVANGEL 2022

POMEROL – red

(grape variety: 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc )

Intense ruby red.

Black fan, mint, eucalyptus, light pea skin, light black pepper, nutmeg to finish with hints of fresh tomato . Upon entering the oral cavity you immediately perceive the sweetness of candied cherry.

The body is medium and the wine has a good balance between hard and soft substances. The tannins are sweet, thick, quite broad (5/6), initially velvety and then slightly drying the upper gum.

Its taste persistence is quite long.

(88-90/100)

CHATEAU THE GOSPEL 2022

POMEROL – red

(grape variety : 82% Merlot, 17.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.5% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Ruby red and deep purple-black robe.

Olfactory debut with aromas of nutmeg, oil varnish, cherry, tomato preserve, violet, light notes of mint and eucalyptus to finish with caresses of chocolate.

On the palate it reveals a medium body and flavours of candied cherry and chocolate that remind me of the ” Mon ” chocolate. Chery “. Wine with balance between alcohol and freshness.

The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6++) initially velvety and then dry and slightly burn the upper gum. Its taste persistence is long.

In my opinion the nose is better than the taste, very ripe fruit.

(91-93/100)

CHATEAU QUINTUS

SAINT ÉMILION DE QUINTUS 2022

SAINT ÉMILION – red

(grape variety: 78.8% Merlot, 20.6% Cabernet Franc and 0.6% Malbec )

Deep purple-red – black color.

Olfactory profile characterized by aromas of slightly candied cherry , sacristy furniture (incense), amber, mint, eucalyptus, woodsy (milk toffee), sweet pipe tobacco with freeze-dried cherry, plum and blueberry.

In the mouth the body is medium and there is a flavor of ripe-candied cherry . Wine balanced between alcohol and freshness.

The tannins are sweet, quite broad, (5/6) thick and velvety.

Its taste persistence is long with a chocolate finish.

(89-91/100)

CHATEAU QUINTUS

THE DRAGON OF QUINTUS 2022

SAINT ÉMILION – red

(grape variety: 81.6% Merlot, 12.1% Cabernet Franc and 6.3% Merlot)

Deep purple-black color.

Olfactory kaleidoscope with scents of hydrolysate powder (which is what makes natural water carbonated), plum, candied cherry, amber, mint, eucalyptus, lemongrass , worked leather, sweet pipe tobacco with freeze-dried cherry and ending with puffs of chocolate.

On the palate the body is medium and has a plum and cherry flavor. Balanced wine thanks to the freshness and tannins that dominate the alcohol mass.

The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6), thick and velvety.

Its gustatory persistence is long. The cherry on the nose is too ripe.

(91-93/100)

CHATEAU QUINTUS

SAINT ÉMILION – red

(grape variety : 58.5% Merlot, 41.5% Cabernet Franc and 6.3% Merlot)

Deep purple-black dress

Olfactory mix made of aromas of cherry, amber, red apple, plum, blueberry to finish with hints of incense that remind me of sacristy furniture.

On the palate you can perceive the importance of the structure which has a medium plus body.

Flavors of candied black marasca cherry.

Balanced wine with imperceptible alcoholic mass.

The tannins are sweet, thick, quite broad (5/6), initially velvety and then drying the upper gum a little . Its taste persistence is long.

The cherry taste is very evolved. 

(92-94/100)

CHATEAU MONBOUSQUET 2022

SAINT ÉMILION- red

(grape variety : 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Deep purple-black coat.

The nose reveals aromas of slightly candied cherry , graphite, mint, eucalyptus, vegetable leather (it is the worked leather that tends towards the sweetness of leather), rosemary, sage, pea skin, plum and sea water (the white internal part of the watermelon peel).

The body is medium and the wine has a good balance between alcohol and freshness.

The tannins are sweet, thick, quite broad (5/6+) initially velvety then drying and burning the upper gum a bit . Its taste persistence is long with a woody and chocolate finish.

On the nose you can feel that some grapes are too ripe and others are a bit behind, green. The tannins of the wood are a bit too present.

(89-91/100)

CLOSE THE LUNELLS 2022

CEG PERSE VITICULTEURS 2022

CASTILLON CÔTES DE BORDEAUX – red

( blend : 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Deep purple-black robe.

The nose opens to sensations of candied cherry, intense chocolate, pea peel, clean sea water (it is the same as the white inner part of the watermelon peel), oil varnish, mint, eucalyptus, black pepper, nutmeg, ending with whispers of violet.

On the palate it has a medium plus body and a cherry flavor. Wine with alcoholic mass silenced by freshness and tannins. The latter are sweet, quite broad (5/6+) initially velvety and then dry and burn the upper gum. Its taste persistence is long with a pleasant finish of cherry and juicy plum.

The nose shows the presence of very ripe grapes and slightly green grapes. The tannins of the wood disturb a bit on the palate . I found it superior to the 2018 and 2016.

(90-92/100)

CHATEAU PAVIE

AROME DE PAVIE 2022

SAINT ÉMILION – red

(grape variety : 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc )

Deep purple red dress – black

Nose composed of ripe notes of candied cherry followed by mint, eucalyptus, blueberry, oil varnish, clean sea water (it is the same as the white inner part of the watermelon peel), chocolate to finish with hints of plum.

The body is medium plus with a woody flavour .

Wine balanced between alcohol and freshness while the tannins are a bit impetuous, they are sweet, broad (6/6-), initially velvety and then dry and burn the upper gum a bit . Its taste persistence is long.

For the nose, what is written for the Clos is valid Lunelles. On the palate it would be quite pleasant if it were not for the tannins which are impetuous.

(90-92/100)

CHATEAU PAVIE 2022

SAINT ÉMILION- red

(grape variety: 52% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Deep purple-black color.

Aromas of candied cherry, oil paint, chocolate, mint, eucalyptus, rosemary, blueberry and pea skin (green note).

On the palate you immediately notice the presence of new wood, while the body is medium, not medium plus. At the moment, but it will disappear, there is an alternating effect between alcohol and freshness. The tannins are sweet, broad (6/6) initially velvety and then dry the entire oral cavity.

For the nose, what is written for the Arômes is valid and for the mouth there is too much presence of the tannins of the wood.

Its gustatory persistence is long with a woody finish . As I have always told Mr. Perse, in my humble opinion it uses too much new wood.

(91-93/100)

CHATEAU TRONQUOY 2022

SAINT ESTÉPHE- red

(grape variety: 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot )

Deep purple-black.

Chocolate, mint and candied black cherry stand out on the nose, followed by eucalyptus, plum, rosemary, sage and laurel.

The taste has a medium plus body and a chocolate flavor. Well balanced wine with tannins and freshness that dominate the alcohol mass.

The tannins are sweet, thick, quite broad (5/6-) initially velvety and then burning the upper gum a little .

Its gustatory persistence is long with a finish of chocolate and cherry in alcohol. Wine with a slightly evolved nose that reminds me of 2018.

The 2015 tannins were broader, but the 2016’s fresh fruit is unforgettable.

(91-93/100)

I also tasted the

CHATEAU TRONQUOY 2019

SAINT ESTÉPHE- red

(grape variety :50% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot )

Intense ruby red colour.

Aromas of plum, finely tanned leather, boiled rice starch, mint, eucalyptus, ending with hints of liquorice.

On the palate it has a medium body. A fairly balanced wine with a bit of a swing between alcohol and freshness (I feel the central part of my tongue burning a little). The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6–) initially velvety and then drying and burning the upper gum a little.

Its gustatory persistence is long with a leather finish in fine tanning. At the end of the tasting I feel the tannins tighten a bit as width on the upper gum. Was the bottle perfect?

(89/100)

CHATEAU MONTROSE

THE LADY OF MONTROSE 2022

SAINT ESTÈPHE – red

( grape variety : 71% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc )

Deep purple-black.

Olfactory profile composed of aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, blueberry, mint, eucalyptus, chocolate, boiled chestnut with wild fennel and cassis .

Pleasant mouth with medium body and perfect balance between alcohol and freshness.

The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6+), thick and velvety.

Its gustatory persistence is long with a finish of cassis and plum.

In my notes I wrote: Nice wine.

For me this 2022 is superior to 2018, 2016 and 2015. The tannins of 2016 are broader than the vintages mentioned.

(92-94/100)

CHATEAU MONTROSE 2022

SAINT ESTÈPHE – red

(grape variety: 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot )

Deep cardinal red-black.

On the nose it evokes aromas of quite intense chocolate, ripe cherry, mint, eucalyptus, plum, finely tanned leather, boiled rice starch, very light hints of episperm (sweet from the skin of boiled chestnuts), small grains of liquorice to finish with sweet caresses from the outside of the candy.

On the palate it has a perfect medium body and a fresh plum flavor. Wine with excellent balance between alcohol and freshness thanks to the latter which is very pleasant.

The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6+), initially velvety and then drying the upper gum a little.

Its final taste is long and always persistent, with notes of fresh plum.

I remember the fantastic 2016 that I liked the most also for the violet that it had both on the nose and in the taste.

(94-96/100)

CHATEAU GRAND PUY DUCASSE 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety: 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot )

Deep purple-black color.

It releases intense aromas of oil paint, cherry, plum, black pepper, nutmeg and light balsamic notes of mint and eucalyptus.

Pleasant mouth with flavors of chocolate and fresh and juicy fruit: plum and black cherry. The body is medium and the wine has a good balance between alcohol and freshness.

The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6+) initially velvety and then drying the upper gum a little .

The nose is a little shy but the fruit is fresh and pleasant.

(92-94/100)

CHATEAU GRAND PUY LACOSTE 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety: 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot)

Deep purple-black.

Nuances of slightly candied cherry , chocolate, mint, eucalyptus, oil varnish, hints of marzipan paste (almond), fresh plum and blueberry.

On the palate it has a well-balanced medium body and flavours of plum and freshly squeezed blueberries.

Wine with good balance thanks also to the generous freshness. The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6+) and velvety. Its taste persistence is long with a finish still of plum and blueberry.

The nose is a little ripe but the mouth has fresh fruit and rich freshness.

 (92-94/100)

CHATEAU BATAILLEY 2022

PAUILLAC – red

(grape variety: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot )

Intense ruby red and purple-black color. Slightly ripe nose of slightly candied black morello cherry and slightly dried plum.

The olfactory path continues with quite intense tones of licorice string, mint, eucalyptus, blueberries, peeled tomatoes and balsamic wafts of pine. The body is medium and the wine has a ripe cherry and plum flavor. Wine with alcohol-freshness axis and tannins in perfect harmony. The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6), initially velvety and then dry the upper gum a little . Its taste persistence is long with a fruity finish. Nose more evolved than taste.

The 2018 nose was equally ripe but the 2022 is more balanced on the palate.

(90-92/100)

CHATEAU COS LABORY

COS LABORY 2022

SAINT ESTÈPHE – red

(grape variety: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc )

Deep purple-red – black color.

Olfactory mix composed of scents of oil paint, plum, blueberry, mint, eucalyptus, vegetable leather (it is the vegetable leather that comes closest to the sweetness of leather), black pepper, nutmeg, finishing with puffs of black truffle.

On the palate it has medium body, plum and blueberry flavors and a good balance between alcohol and freshness. The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6+) initially velvety and then drying the upper gum a little .

Its gustatory persistence is long with a finish that continues to be fruity.

The 2018 was more mature on the nose, but not too much.  

  (90-92/100)

CHATEAU COS LABORY

LABORY CHARM 2022

SAINT ESTÈPHE – red

(grape variety: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot)

Deep purple-black robe.

slightly candied and alcohol-preserved cherry , followed by mint, eucalyptus, chocolate, worked leather, oil paint, medicinal herbs and ends with the sweetness of the outer part of the candy.

slightly candied cherry and chocolate flavor. Balanced wine with the alcoholic mass controlled by freshness and tannins. The latter are sweet, broad (6/6–) and velvety. Its intense aromatic persistence is long with a licorice finish.

(88-90/100)

CHATEAU PHELAN SÉGUR 2022

SAINT ESTÈPHE – red

( grape variety : 56% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot )

Ruby red and intense purple-black.

Multifaceted and pleasant nose with aromas of black cherry, plum, blueberry, mint, eucalyptus, chocolate, cassis , ending with hints of light oil varnish.

On the palate it has a medium body and a pleasant fruity flavor of plum, blueberry, cassis , fresh and squeezed and chocolate. The body is medium and the alcohol-freshness-tannin axis is in perfect balance.

The tannins are broad (6/6–), sweet, thick, initially velvety and then drying the upper gum a little .

I found this 2022 superior to the 2018 for the breadth of the tannins and for the lesser presence of wood.

(92-94/100)

CHATEAU BEAUMONT 2022

HAUT-MEDOC – red

(grape variety: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot )

It turns a beautiful deep purple-black red.

slightly candied black marasca cherry , followed by tones of almond, licorice, plum, blueberry, rosemary and sage.

On the palate it has a medium body, fine and elegant.

Wine with imperceptible alcoholic mass thanks to the freshness and tannins that dominate it. The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6) initially velvety and then dry the upper gum a little .

Its taste persistence is long with a finish of plum and blueberry.

(89-91/100)

CHATEAU DE CAMENSAC 2022

HAUT MEDOC – red

(grape variety: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot)

Mix of ruby red and intense purple-black.

On the nose it has aromas of plum, licorice, oil varnish, black cherry and finally balsamic hints reminiscent of cypress.

The taste is medium bodied. Plum, blackberry and blueberry flavour. Good balance between alcohol and freshness thanks to a pleasant freshness.

The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6) initially velvety and then drying the upper gum very much (wood tannins).

Its taste persistence is long.

The wine would have been pleasant for the ripeness of the fruit but, in my opinion, the excessive use of wood has compromised it a bit.

 (87-89/100)

CHATEAU BELGRAVE 2022

HAUT MEDOC – red

(grape variety: 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot )

Deep purple-black coat.

Olfactory prelude of light tannery leather in fine workmanship, boiled rice starch, mint, eucalyptus, plum, hints of rosemary, sage with a light green note in the finish that reminds me of geranium.

Mouth with a taste of chocolate and plum.

The body is medium and the wine is balanced between alcohol and freshness. The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6), initially velvety and then drying the upper gum a little . Its taste persistence is long with a fresh plum finish.

 (89-91/100)

CHATEAU COS D’ESTOURNEL 2022

G. D’ESTOURNEL

SAINT ESTÈPHE – red

(grape variety : 67% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.6% Cabernet Franc and 0.4% Petit Verdot )

Intense ruby red colour.

The nose is structured with tones of green pepper, light pea skin, mint, eucalyptus, starch (spray starch for ironing), plum and cherry.

The body is medium just enough and has a cherry flavor. The rich freshness makes the wine balanced without making you feel even the slightest bit of alcohol.

The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6+) and velvety. Its taste persistence is long.

 (90-92/100)

CHATEAU COS D’ESTOURNEL

PAGODES OF COS 2022

SAINT ESTÈPHE – red

(grape variety: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc )

Ruby red and intense purple-black.

Varied and pleasant nose with aromas of ripe red cherry, licorice, chocolate, graphite, starch (spray starch for ironing), light notes of rosemary and sage, both red and black blackberry, sweet milk toffee, light notes of green, natural tea, sweet pipe tobacco such as “Clan” to finish with puffs of plum.

On the palate it has a medium body (more than that of G.), with flavours of plum, cherry and chocolate.

Good balance of taste, the alcoholic mass is dominated by freshness and tannins. The latter are sweet, quite broad (5/6+) fine, elegant, initially silky and then slightly drying the upper gum.

Its taste persistence is long.

(91-93/100)

CHATEAU COS D’ESTOURNEL 2022

SAINT ESTÈPHE – red

(grape variety: 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot )

It has intense ruby red and purple-black colours.

Bouquet made of aromas of red apple, medicinal herbs, Virginia blond tobacco, ripe red cherry, graphite, smoke, blackberry to finish with puffs of plum.

Mouth satisfied by flavors of ripe red cherry, and chocolate. The body is medium more than the Pagodes and the wine is well balanced, in fact the alcohol mass is imperceptible. The tannins are sweet, thick, wide (6/6–) and velvety.

Its taste persistence is long with a chocolate finish.

(95-97/100)

CHATEAU COS D’ESTOURNEL

PAGODES OF COS 2022

SAINT ESTÈPHE – white

(grape variety: 57% Sauvignon Blanc and 43% Sémillion)

Straw yellow in colour with grey reflections appears in the glass.

Exciting, varied and pleasant nose composed of aromas of flint, hawthorn, Coccoina glue (coconut milk and almond), gunpowder, iodine, saltiness, episperm (it is the sweetness of boiled chestnut skin), rust, lemon, yellow grapefruit to finish with caresses of bergamot.

In the mouth, a medium body, salt, lemon and yellow grapefruit immediately stand out.

Perfectly balanced wine thanks to the generous freshness which, together with the sapidity and minerality, completely dominates the alcoholic mass.

Its taste persistence is long with a mandarin finish.

It is a wine that literally thrilled me and gave me joy in tasting it for its generous flavor and minerality .

 (93-95/100)

CHATEAU COS D’ESTOURNEL 2022

SAINT ESTÈPHE – white

(grape variety: 74% Sauvignon Blanc and 26% Sémillion )

Straw yellow color with grey reflections.

Olfactory attack decidedly oriented towards the scents of rue leaf, tomato leaf, fig leaf, jasmine, intense notes of episperm ( sweet woody note of boiled chestnut skin), graphite, lemon peel, salt and Coccoina glue (coconut milk and almond).

The taste is savory and medium-bodied more than the Pagodes . Flavors of lemon tea and thigh pear. Perfectly balanced wine thanks also to the pleasant and generous freshness that together with the minerality dominate the alcoholic mass. Its persistence is long with a finish that reminds me of natural tea.

You can feel that the Cos is more structured and also at the moment more influenced by the wood but the minerality of the Pagodes is fantastic.

(94-96/100)

CHATEAU BEYCHEVELLE 2022

SAINT – JULIEN – red

(grape variety: 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot )

Purple red color

On the nose, candied cherry stands out, followed by dried plum, oil varnish, mint and eucalyptus.

The mouth highlights a flavor of dried plum and chocolate. The body is medium and the wine has a good balance between alcohol and freshness. The tannins are sweet, broad (6/6–) initially velvety and then dry the upper gum a little .

Its gustatory persistence is long with a final continuation of ripe fruit already felt.

Wine with very evolved fruit both on the nose and on the palate.

I remember that 2018 also had ripe fruit.

(90-92/100)

CHATEAU LEOVILLE BARTON 2022

SAINT – JULIEN – red

(grape variety: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11.5% Merlot and 5.5% Cabernet Franc )

Intense ruby red and purple-black glass.

It expresses an intense aroma of chocolate on the nose followed by plum, blueberry, cassis , ripe cherry and sweet woody notes .

Sweet fruit flavor: cherry and plum.

The body is medium and the wine does not sting with alcohol, the freshness makes it balanced.

The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6–), initially velvety and then dry and burn the upper gum a little . Its persistence is long with a finish of plum, blueberry and blackberry.

(92-94/100)

CHATEAU BRANAIRE DUCRU 2022

SAINT – JULIEN – red

( grape variety : 60.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31.5% Merlot, 5.5% Cabernet Franc and 2.5% Petit Verdot )

Deep purple-black.

The aromatic scenario is varied, scents of chocolate parade, light zabaglione, sweet woody notes that remind me of the cone of mold on the orange. Followed by notes of licorice, plum, cassis , black cherry, mint, eucalyptus to finish with whispers of tomato bald.

Medium plus structure and flavor of chocolate and fresh plum.

The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6) and velvety. Well-balanced wine. Its taste persistence is long with a hard candy finish of licorice and mint.

(92-94/100)

CHATEAU GRUAUD LAROSE 2022

SAINT – JULIEN – red

( blend : 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc )

Ruby red and intense purple-black color.

From the olfactory casket emerge aromas of green pepper, sweet woody notes , mint, eucalyptus, rosemary, sage, peeled tomatoes, plum and blackberries.

On tasting the body is medium but a bit elusive. The wine has a good balance between alcohol and freshness while the tannins are sweet, not too broad (4/6++) initially velvety and then dry and make the upper gum burn a bit .

Its taste persistence is long.

At the moment there is interference of wood both in smell and taste.

The fruit is well ripe.

(90-92/100)

CHATEAU LEOVILLE POYFERRE 2022

SAINT – JULIEN – red

( grape blend : 58% Cabernet Franc, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot )

Intense ruby red colour.

On the nose it has woody aromas, slightly candied cherry , mint, eucalyptus, warm cloth starch, cream, plum and medicine cabinet.

The taste has a hint of chocolate, woodsy and plum.

The body is medium and the wine has a good balance of flavours thanks to the freshness that dominates the alcoholic mass.

The tannins are sweet, quite broad (4/6++) initially velvety and then drying the upper gum a little (wood tannins?). Its gustatory persistence is long.

                                                                        (90-92/100)

CHATEAU TALBOT 2022

SAINT – JULIEN – red

( blend : 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot 5% Petit Verdot )

Ruby red and deep purple-black coat.

On the nose it reveals fruity notes of slightly candied cherry , chocolate, rosemary, sage, laurel, sweet woody notes , ending with hints of tomato puree.

On the palate it shows a medium body and plum flavor. Alcohol-freshness-tannin axis in balance with each other.

The tannins are sweet, broad (6/6–) initially velvety and then dry and burn the upper gum a little . Its taste persistence is long.

At the moment the tannins of the wood are a bit invasive.

(91-93/100)

CHATEAU LANGOA BARTON 2022

SAINT – JULIEN – red

( blend : 56.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot and 2.5% Cabernet Franc )

Ruby red and intense purple-black colours emerge from the glass.

The olfactory proposal is inspired by ripe cherry, intense oil varnish, licorice, rosemary, sage, laurel, ending with puffs of plum.

Fruity mouth of plum and cherry and then liquorice. The body is medium and the wine is balanced. The tannins are sweet and broad (6/6–) initially velvety and then dry and burn the upper gum a little . Its taste persistence is long.

                                                                                           (91-93/100)

CHATEAU GISCOURS 2022

MARGAUX- red

( grape blend : 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc )

Beautiful deep purple-black red.

Beautiful and intense olfactory complexity composed of aromas of fresh plum, vegetal leather (it is the leather that tends towards the sweetness of leather), cassis , sea water (intense white part of the watermelon peel), black pepper, nutmeg, bosié appretto ( spray starch for ironing), mint, eucalyptus, rosemary, sage and bay leaves.

On the palate it has a pleasant fresh plum, blueberry and a sweet wood that then turns into a light bitterness. The body is medium and the wine is well balanced between alcohol and freshness. The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6–) initially velvety and then dry and make the upper gum burn a little .

Its taste persistence is long.

(92-94/100)

CHATEAU MONBRISON 2022

MARGAUX- red

( grape variety : 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot )

Ruby red with purple hues shines through.

From the glass spread aromas of plum, finely processed tannery leather, boiled rice starch, vinosity (the smell of wine that is in the cellar after the harvest), black pepper, nutmeg, ending with puffs of chocolate.

Mouth satisfied by flavors of plum, cherry, blueberry and chocolate that remain even during its gustatory persistence,

The body is medium and the wine is well balanced even if the tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6) initially velvety and then drying and burning the upper gum a little (wood tannins?).

2022 has more body than 2018.

(90-92/100)

CHATEAU BROWN CANTENAC 2022

MARGAUX- red

( blend : 69% Cabernet Sauvignon and 31% Merlot)

Deep purple-black dress.

Olfactory system made of plum, medicinal herbs, licorice, light herbaceous notes, almond shell, cherry to finish with whispers of blueberry.

Sip with flavors of plum, chocolate and wood .

The body is medium and the wine has an excellent balance between alcohol and freshness. The tannins are sweet, thick, quite broad (5/6) initially velvety and then dry and burn the upper gum a little . Its taste persistence is long with a cherry finish.

Nice wine with pleasant fresh fruit both on the nose and on the palate, shame about the taste, for the tannins of the wood that are a bit aggressive.

(92-94/100)

CHATEAU DAUZAC 2022

MARGAUX- red

( blend : 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Merlot)

Beautiful deep purple-black red,

A tantalizing olfactory prelude of plum, light pea peel, intense chocolate, sea water (the white inner part of the watermelon peel), black pepper, nutmeg, medicinal herbs, mint and eucalyptus.

Pleasantly fruity sip of plum and cherry. The body is medium and the wine is well balanced with freshness that completely dominates the alcoholic mass. The tannins are sweet, quite broad (5/6++), thick, initially velvety and then dry and slightly burn the upper gum. Its taste persistence is long with a finish of cherry, blueberry, plum and chocolate.

The tannins are a little tighter than those of 2018. You can see that a lot of attention was paid to the ripeness of the grapes, as demonstrated by the green notes and the freshness of the fruit.

(93-95/100)

CHATEAU DU TERTRE 2022

MARGAUX- red

( grape blend : 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc , 15% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot )

Deep purple-black color.

woody , plum, liquorice, intense aromas of green pepper, starch (spray starch for ironing), black pepper and nutmeg.

On the palate it reveals a sufficient medium body and flavours of plum, chocolate and wood .

Wine made balanced by the beautiful and pleasant freshness. The tannins are sweet, broad (6/6–) initially velvety and then dry the upper gum a little . Its taste persistence is long with a final note of candied cherry.

(92-94/100)

CHATEAU LABEGORCE 2022

MARGAUX- red

( grape variety : 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot )

Deep purple-black dress.

Olfactory expression composed of scents of sacristy furniture (incense), woodsy , milk toffee, starch (spray starch for ironing), plum, blueberry and cherry.

Fruity mouthfeel of plum, cherry and blueberry.

The body is medium and the wine, at the moment, and will lose it, has a slightly fluctuating balance between alcohol and freshness. The tannins are sweet and quite broad (5/6) initially velvety and then dry and slightly burn the upper gum. Its taste persistence is long.

Although the balance of the wine is a bit unstable at the moment, it has a pleasant freshness.

(91-93/100)