More Luscious Wines From A Stellar 2022 Vintage

The 2022 vintage for French Bordeaux wines has solidified its reputation as stellar. Earlier this year I already wrote about 2022 wines from the right bank of the Gironde estuary, as well as from the left bank and entre-deux-mers regions. In recent weeks I’ve sampled dozens more wines from that same vintage, which has confirmed the overall quality—that will endure for decades—derived from balancing buoyant fruitiness, sleek acidity and finely integrated tannins.

This is a companion article to one titled More Wines From A Stellar 2022 Vintage —Left Bank and EDM Bordeaux.

Below are wines to consider sampling from the Right Bank of the Gironde estuary in the Bordeaux wine country of southwest France. All scores are subjective.

Saint-Émilion

Château Monlot. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 97 points.

Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend. Subtle and quiet aromas that include gorse, fresh grated black pepper, sage and hazelnuts. Bold attack and a crunchy, rich, layered mid palate with a rainbow of variety. Flavors include red plums, red cherries, toffee, black berries and slight mint on the finish. Pair with grilled beef, or with tabouli sprinkled with soy. This is a treat.

Château Zaya. Les Jardins. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 93 points.

Aromas of soy, blackberries, butter and red cherries. Edgy and acidic attack followed by a rounded and satisfying mid palate brimming with swirling flavors that include teriyaki, licorice and malt balls. Firm tannins, bright acidity. Satisfying. Pair with roasted pig or with a rice pilaf and shiitake mushrooms.

Château Zaya. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 97 points.

Layered and succulent aromas that blend red and dark fruit with earthy tones, and include red cherries, candy cane and peppermint. Beautifully soft tannins in a luscious mid palate that is balanced, harmonious and layered with all things nice—peppercorns, Dutch salty licorice, red cherries, gumballs, black berries, mushrooms and anise on the finish. Classic layered beauty from Saint-Émilion. Pair with buttered artichoke followed by duck breast and foie gras, or with a decadent dessert such as pumpkin pie.

Château Laroze. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classe. 2022. 96–97 points.

Bright, cheerful, chipper aromas of cherries together with white pepper, fresh sliced mushrooms and anise. Brilliant mid palate with flavors that include brownies, orange segments and lava cake, with radiant acidity and a tangy finish. Gorgeous and lively. Pair with a dessert of shortcake or a main dish of beef stew.

Château Tour de Pressac. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 97+ points.

14.5% alcohol. 70/18/7/2/2/1 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon/Carménère/Petit Verdot/Malbec. Earthy aromas of a dense forest, chocolate chips and toffee. Stunningly delicious mouthful of black and red fruit, maple syrup, fudge as well as black pepper. Memorably seductive. Firm tannins, bright acidity. Pair with a cheese plate that includes cheddar and brebis.

Château de Pressac. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classe. 2022. 97-98 points.

Magnificent aromas—bright and generous—that include allspice, candy cane, red cherries, prunes. A brilliant and beautiful Saint Emilion with full rich, velvety flavors, well supporting and well integrated tannins, sunshine bright acidity. Elegant, polished, rich and delicious. Pair this with confit de canard or a three cheese lasagna.

Château La Croix Younan. Excellence. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 95+ points.

Bay leaves, black pepper, red plum and red cherry aromas. A hearty, chewy full bodied wine brimming with spice and a range of flavors—sesame, salted beef jerky, sage and peppermint. Delightful and fulfilling. Bright acidity and a strong tannic backbone. Pair with slightly spicy Asian food.

Château La Croix Younan. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 94+ points.

Bright aromas of cherry chocolate cake with a hit of tangerine. Cheerful, complex and layered mid palate that includes a range of flavors—including allspice and meringue. Easy drinking and delicious with generously supporting acidity and firm but subdued tannins. Pair with risotto or with foie gras on toast.

Château Monlot. Heritage de Monlot. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 94-95 points.

Merlot dominant, with 15% Cabernet Franc. Dark earthy aromas that also include cassis and red cherries, molasses, licorice, brownies, mints and orange rind. A full and elegant mouthful of layered flavors including malt, walnut cake, black currants, black berries and beef jerky. Radian acidity and succulent tannins. Balanced and generous with layered flavors. Pair with Asian cuisine or with fajitas and Las Cruces green chili.

Château La Croix Younan. Icône. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 94-95 points.

Lovely and varied aromas that include florals, gingerbread, meringue and plums. Stout and satisfying mid palate with tannic structure and flavors that include soy, biltong and black berries. Pair with shish kebab beef and pork and green peppers, or a vegetarian risotto with mushrooms. Still young—needs some years to age.

Château La Commanderie. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2022. 95 points.

Brisk, fresh, snappy red fruit and honey aromas. Scintillating mouthful boiling with succulent flavors of caramel, German chocolate cake, red cherries, blueberries, malt balls, slight menthol and coconut. Layered and complex. Tannins quiet; acidity ebullient. This encapsulates the quality of the 2022 vintage—strikingly balanced with elevated flavor profiles—as well as the beauty of a Saint-Émilion with complex flavors well integrated with buoyant acidity. Pair with cordon bleu or a coconut chocolate dessert.

Clos des Jacobins. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. 2022. 95-96 points,

Crisp aromas of raspberries and buckwheat, tahini and figs. Delightful, delicious and easily approachable wine with succulent tannins, flavors that include sesame, mango chutney, chocolate crepes and blueberries. Complex and vivacious. Pair with a cheese blintz or a rich pasta dish that includes wild game.

Chateau Mondou. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 96 points.

66/34 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend aged 16 months in oak. Racy aromas of cedar, bay leaves, sesame, smoke, tar and salty black licorice. Absolutely delicious mid palate with melt-in-your-mouth tannins, lithe acidity and elegant flavors that include soy, balsamic, red plums, prunes, figs and melted chocolate. Black cherry thrust on the finish. Complex, layered and festive. Will age for decades. Pair with Szechuan beef or with a vegetarian tajine.

Château Trianon. Saint-Êmilion Grand Cru. 2022. 95+ points.

Rich and engaging sweet and sour aromas of red cherries, fennel, sage and plums. Beautifully balanced mid palate that includes flavors of balsamic, fresh dough, cumin, black pepper, black licorice and figs. Tannins well integrated into rich red fruit flavors, which are highlighted by the shining acidity. Pair with hummus, tahini and toasted baguette, or with a rich minestrone. Classic.

Château Moine Vieux. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 92-93 points.

Bright and bristling aromas of eucalyptus and black licorice and even a hint of orange peel in this Merlot dominant wine that also includes Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. An acidic attack of red fruits followed by a dark and foliated set of meaty but succulent flavors—maple syrup, toffee, red plums and red cherries. Striated and swirling flavors supported by firm acidity. Pair with pasta with a peppery meat sauce or with a clafoutis dessert. Still young and will age for decades.

Clos Saint-Vincent. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 94-95 points.

78/21/1 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon. Young red fruit aromas together with smoke and black licorice. What a beauty in the mouth—layered with fruit and chocolate; deliciously easy to drink with acidity that will make you salivate fast and tingle your tongue on a zesty finish. Pair with grilled pork sausages or cous-cous with mushrooms.

Château Adaugusta. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 95+ points.

75/25 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc aged 15 months in French oak. Dark aromas of black pepper, soy, dark plums. Lovely full mouth pleasure here—After Eight mints, cherry tart and malt balls. Delicious. Acidity will tingle your tongue. Pair with spicy Asian beef or a teriyaki vegetarian stew.

Château Fleur de Lisse. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 94 points.

From the Teycheney family and winemaker Nicolas Géré—a 55/45 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc with 14.5% alcohol. Dense aromas of red plums, bourbon biscuits, maquis scrub and sage. Firm tannins, sleek acidity in a beautifully layered mouthful with flavors that run a range from red cherries to cooking chocolate. Complex and engaging. Pair with hard cheeses and charcuterie.

Château L’Etampe. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 93-94 points.

This 80/20 Merlot/Cabernet Franc from Vignobles Jade is aged 18 months in oak and includes light, bright and soft aromas of caramel chocolate, cherry lozenge and coffee. Deliciously layered classic Saint-Émilion mid palate with flavors that range from chocolate layer cake to fresh raspberries. Complex with buoyant acidity, firm but low-key tannins and a finish that asks for more. Pair with grilled steak and apple sauce or with a molasses and fruit cake dessert.

Fontfleurie. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 93+ points.

79/21 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend. Smoke, tar, sandpaper and leather aromas, as well as blue and blackberries. Soft and luscious mouthful with firm tannic structure, heft and complexity. Still young but generous with roiling acidity that supports meaty flavors that include macarons, Dutch licorice, cherry tart and rum raisin. Shouldered but elegant tannins. Pair with a beef stew or with a vegetarian dish that includes bulgur, soy and cheddar.

Château du Vieux Guinot. Osage. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 89-90 points.

Fresh, tart aromas of wet earth, dark plums, gorse, red cherries and a slab of chocolate brownie. Still young and quite acidic, though with a fruity punch on the finish.

Château Fourney. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 90 points.

Rich and rounded fruity aromas; red cherries and cassis. A chewy mouthful of red fruit and flavors that include lava cake. Acidity brimming and still young—time is needed to better integrate the flavors, tannin and acidity.

Château du Vieux-Guinot. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 89-90 points.

Cheerful spring aromas of a country lane hedge, cherry tart and fruit cocktail. Pleasant mouthful of fruity flavors but acidic still and needs time for integration. Chocolate pecan brownie flavors on the finish. Pair with lamb curry or a meat loaf.

Château Roc St. Michel. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 89-90 points.

Brisk, bright cheerful red fruit aromas with a sliver of menthol. Bright acidity, fresh red fruit flavors. Linear and light.

Chateau Leydet-Valentis. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 92-93 points.

78/22 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc. Aromas of blackberries, figs, red plums and black pepper. Chewy tannins and swashbuckling acidity in this gorgeous array of dark flavors. Excellent price.

Pomerol

Chateau Leydet-Valentis. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 92-93 points.

78/22 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc. Aromas of blackberries, figs, red plums and black pepper. Chewy tannins and swashbuckling acidity in this gorgeous array of dark flavors. Excellent price.

Lalande de Pomerol

Château La Fleur de Boüard. Syrah. 2022. 93 points.

The label tells the story: ‘Inspired by the remarkable wines of the Rhone Valley … Syrah yields a solar wine on the soils of Bordeaux.’ Only 12% alcohol from a limited set of plots; aged 12 months in new and used French oak. Bright and fresh and light aromas include lilac and bluebells. A soft and light Syrah, highlighting fresh red fruits such as raspberries and red plums. Bright acidity, quiet tannins. Almost Beaujolais-like in lightness and freshness. Pair with a bowl of strawberries or with cheese crepes.

Château de La Fleur de Boüard. Le Plus. Lalande de Pomerol. 2022. 93+ points.

100% Merlot aged 33 months in French oak; unfined and unfiltered. Rum raisin aromas as well as slight petrol and pine. Quite darkly seductive flavors that include allspice, soy and cherry chocolate cake. Magnificent finish that wants you pouring another glass. Firm tannins; well balanced and well integrated with supporting acidity. Pair with grilled wild game or poultry.

Château de La Fleur de Boüard. Le Lion. Lalande de Pomerol. 2022. 95-96 points.

60/25/15 Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot blend aged primarily in steel for 16 months. Generous flush of delicious aromas—including steaming strawberry pie, cherry tart, eucalyptus, cedar, blackberries, smoke, black licorice and vanilla. Firm and fantastic mid palate flavors include plums, figs, sesame, fennel and caraway. Wow. Succulent acidity and elegant tannins. This is an apogee for Le Lion. Pair with Asian sweet and sour beef, or with celery soup together with hummus and toast.

Château Haut-Surget. Lalande-de-Pomerol. 2022. 93-94 points.

Glimmering bright aromas of red cherries, sage, clover, gorse, and tar in this wine with 14.5% alcohol. Darkly succulent and delicious mid palate riddled with flavors that include sesame, black licorice, and black olive tapenade. Firm tannins, dark flavors, bright acidity. Pair with a smorgasbord that includes hummus, tahini and stuffed vine leaves.

Château du Rosaire. Lalande de Pomerol. 2022. 93 points.

50/50 Merlot/Cabernet Franc. Bottled in Saint-Georges-Saint-Émilion, this 13% alcohol wine includes a layer cake of aromas—butterscotch, menthol, strawberries and even green apples. A light and lovely easy drinker bubbling with flavors that include bacon, molasses, red plums and caramel on the finish. Easy drinking layer cake with subtle tannins, good structure and ripe acidity. Pair with hummus and tahini and strip steak.

Château La Fleur de Boüard. Lalande de Pomerol. 92-93 points.

Predominantly Merlot, blended with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot and aged up to 18 months primarily in new oak. Perky aromas of raspberries and young spring fruit, as well as maquis scrub. Delicate, delicious and well balanced mid palate rich with ripe fruit that includes red and black cherries but also earthier flavors of truffles, sage, gravy and olive tapenade. Statured tannins and sleek acidity. Pair with minestrone soup or Szechuan beef and sesame seed crackers.

Montagne Saint-Émilion

Vieux Château Palon. Montagne Saint-Émilion. 2022. 94-95 points.

75/25 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc with 15% alcohol. Dark and full aromas of a bramble hedge, a bucket of fresh picked strawberries and nougat. Sweetly enticing. Beautifully light fruit flavors well integrated with elegant tannins and crisp acidity. Flavors include beef bouillon, strudel, blue and blackberries and slight meringue on the finish. Pair with a capri salad or meatloaf.

Fronsac

Château de Carles. Haut-Carles. Fronsac. 2022. 96 points.

Merlot dominant with Malbec and Cabernet Franc aged up to 18 months in French oak. Low key, earthy aromas—think fresh plowed field and strawberry patch—as well as nuttiness and balsamic. Slickly approachable without transition from attack to mid palate—soft tannins, radiant acidity, delicate and layered complex flavors that include cherry crème brûlée and a snap of black pepper on the finish. Pair with roma tomato and argula salad with soy, or with a caramel dessert. Hearty but delicate. 14.5% alcohol. Still young.

Château de Carles. Fronsac. 2022. 95 points.

Radiant aromas of black cherries, red cherries, black berries, soy and sesame brittle. Complex and engaging. Beautifully clean, balanced, precise flavors that include smoky bacon, Fry’s chocolate, cherry pie and biltong. Layered and delightful. Slick acidity, firm tannins providing structure. Pair with a hearty beef stew with bay leaf or with a bulgur and mushroom dish.

Saint-Georges-Saint-Émilion

Château Tour du Pas Saint-Georges. Saint-Georges-Saint-Émilion. 2022. 96+ points.

Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec/Carménère/Petit Verdot blend aged 16 months in new French oak and steel. Syrupy and meaty aromas that include herbs and a sliver of sparky bright red fruit. Exceptionally delicious flavors of molasses, maple syrup, blue berries, black currants and lava cake. Layered and structured with firm tannins and oozing with acidity that highlights the fruit. Pair with beef stew with bay leaf, or a dessert of frosted layered chocolate and cherry cake. 14.5% alcohol.

Other Right Bank Bordeaux

Château Plain Point. Vin de Bordeaux. 2022. 95-96 points.

Delicate and crisp aromas that include figs, strawberry jam, chocolate, petrol and orange peels. Beautifully balanced mid palate with light but firm tannins, radiant acidity and flavors that run a range from minestrone, rum cherry cake to even gingerbread on the finish. Complex and delicious. Pair with burrata and toast or with charcuterie.

Château La Fleur de Boüard. Pinot Noir. Vin de Pays de L’Alantique. 2022. 91-92 points.

12% alcohol. Light brick color. Aged 12 months in French oak. Rich Burgundian first aromas with black cherries and a peppery snap. Delightful and delectable—evidence that Bordeaux can also play a decent rendition of Burgundy when it chooses. Light tannins, rich and fine flavors that include raspberries and slight menthol on the finish. Pair with grilled salmon or butternut squash ravioli.

Château L’Éperon. L’Esprit. 2022. 92+ points.

50/50 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc. Sawdust, wet granite, red cherry and balsamic aromas. Beautifully perky red fruit flavors bathed in bright acidity, with a long and malty finish. Quiet tannins. Pair with blackened steak with grilled shallots and red peppers.

Château l’Éperon. L’Éclat Black Edition. Vignoble de Vérac. 2022. 95 points.

80/10/10 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec aged 12 months in 100% new French oak. Dusky aromas of sawdust and black pepper, red currants and brownies. Deliciously meaty mouthful of dark flavors that include figs, pears, sage, cumin, maple syrup, black cherries and allspice. Shouldered tannins and crisp acidity. Pair with sausage and sauerkraut or with a dessert of devil’s food cake. Distinct.

White wines –

Château La Fleur de Boüard. Sauvignon. 2022. 91-92 points.

Aged in French oak and acacia for 10 months. Delicate aromas of white pears, ferns, gorse, eucalyptus and grapefruit in this wine with just 12.5% alcohol. Sleek and oily mouth feel, delicious mid palate with flavors of green apples, nectarines, kiwi fruit and slight honey. Pair with white fish or with stuffed grape leaves.

Château Plain Point. Vin de Bordeaux. 2022. 91+ points.

Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blend aged in large French oak barrels and in steel. Slight lime and lemonade color. Brisk, tart, alerting tropical aromas with limes, menthol and sage. Refreshing mouthful that includes a slightly acidic attack, but with a generous and oily mouth feel mid palate. Well balanced with a beautiful honeyed finish. Pair with prawns or chicken and soy sauce.

Château La Fleur de Boüard. Chardonnay. 2022. 94 points.

Zesty aromas of pineapple and lime and mango. Beautifully buoyant mouthful that is oily and enticing. Luscious mid palate at first acidic and sharp, then rounded and honeyed. Pair with prawns doused in lime juice.