‘At their pinnacle, I really love the 2022s. (It) is one of the modern-day greats. The best will stand the test of time.’ – Neal Martin
‘It is clear that 2022 contains many exceptional wines.’ – Jane Anson
‘What is clear is that the very best 2022 Bordeaux are wines that everyone is going to want to have in their glass — no matter the price.’ – William Kelley, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Bordeaux 2022 has arrived and what an arrival!
In-bottle reports earlier this year confirmed the euphoria during the en-primeur campaign – a terrific vintage for Bordeaux. A warm and dry summer led winemakers to fear a repeat of 2003 with stressed vines delivering overripe wines lacking vibrancy. However, a combination of smarter viticulture over the past decade and a softer approach in the cellar have resulted in wines that deliver beguiling aromatics, have the density and power of a warm vintage, but the unmistakable freshness that gives Bordeaux its identity. Across the board, there is quality to be found and wines will age well. However, because of gentler extractions, wines at lower end of the price spectrum are sure to offer pleasure at 5 to 7 years post-vintage already. It is not the greatest year for white wines, and terroir played a key role. Yet, regular favourites Domaine de Chevalier and Smith Haut Lafitte outperformed the vintage to produce terrific wines.
Look out for double 100-pointer, Les Carmes Haut-Brion – terrific during the primeur tastings, and now delivering in bottle. Rauzan-Segla has produced another beauty under winemaker Nicolas Audebert, averaging 96.6 points from our four critics! It manages to maintain Margaux’s balance and restraint, even in a powerful vintage. Don’t look past ‘modern-day benchmark for the estate’ (NM) Larcis-Ducasse. I tasted the wine recently in Bordeaux, and it is not for the faint-hearted – dense and powerful, yet so detailed and intricate – superb! As with Larcis-Ducasse, David Suire has produced another sensational Laroque. The quintessential Saint-Émilion – attractive aromatics, pure fruit and a clear limestone minerality. Under R1 000 with an average score of 95?! Stock-up!
Click here for our list of available wines, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Reply to this mail or send an email to johan@winecellar.co.za. An average score per wine is calculated to give a consensus score or view on a wine. As always, we use four main critics for Bordeaux, The Wine Advocate, Antonio Galloni and Neal Martin (both of Vinous) and Jane Anson. These wines are offered via mail now before being made available more broadly on our website.
‘The 2022 vintage serves as a timely reminder that when Bordeaux fires on all cylinders, it is untouchable. – Neal Martin
