More Wines From A Stellar 2022 Vintage

This is a companion article to one titled More Luscious Wines From A Stellar 2022 Vintage—Right Bank Bordeaux.

Earlier this year I wrote an article about the stellar 2022 vintage from the Left Bank and Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux (and another one about right bank 2022 Bordeaux wines). More of the wines have been released since then, and quality is stellar in terms of overall balance. Tannins are generally elegant, acidity is bright, aromas and tastes of the fruit shines and the integration of components is harmonious. This provides 2022 with a reputation for a truly energetic and delicious vintage.

Below are tasting notes for more wines from both the left bank of the Gironde Estuary in Bordeaux, and from Entre-Deux-Mers, the land between the waters formed by the convergence of the Dordogne and Garonne rivers.

Left Bank –

Saint-Estèphe –

Château Meyney. Saint-Estèphe. 2022. 94-95 points.

Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Petit Verdot blend. Rich and classic Bordeaux aromas—statured, confident, striated with red plums, black berries and black pepper, leather and eucalyptus. Firm and meaty mid palate with stout tannins, excellent structure, well assimilated acidity. Flavors include hickory and molasses. Pair with a spicy casserole.

Prieur de Meyney. Saint-Estèphe. 2022. 92-93 points.

Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Petit Verdot blend. Juicy aromas of bitter cherry candy, tarragon and bay leaves and even slight lime in the acidity. Prim acidity mid palate, meaty finish. Satisfying and light. Pair with sesame sticky chicken.

Château Tour de Pez. Saint-Estèphe. Cru Bourgeois. 2022. 93-94 points.

Two thirds Merlot blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Slick and delightful aromas with the promise of pleasure—including red hot candies, red and black peppers, orange peels and cedar. Light and enticing mid palate with flavors of maple syrup, chestnuts, mint and jerky. Sleek and lingering acidity on the finish. Pair with oxtail soup or minestrone.

Château Haut-Beausejour. Saint-Estèphe. 2022. 93+ points.

Aromas of smoke and biltong, soy and red cherries. Balanced wine with solid balance between red fruit flavors and tannins. Flavors include red plums and black licorice. Pair with grilled beef.

Château Laffitte Carcasset. Saint-Estèphe. Cru Bourgeois Supérieur. 2022. 94 points.

Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc from 30 year old vines. Crisp aromas of spring flowers, red cherries, apricot jam, strawberry shortcake. Brittle acidity and fruity mid palate and a rich, juicy, acidic succulent finish that just keeps on giving. Light, balanced wine with flavors or mocha and strudel. Balanced and generous. Pair with a light cassoulet or rice pilaf and sesame beef.

Château Laffitte Carcasset. T3. Saint-Estèphe. 2022. 94-95 points.

Hefty bottle that includes 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a renowned left bank appellation. Syrupy aromas that include a spring hedgerow and its fruit of wild strawberries, as well as black currant juice. Succulent mouthful that spicy with black pepper mid palate and spry on the finish with coconut and red cherries. Crisp acidity; firm though non-obtrusive tannins. Elegant and fun. Layered flavors. Pair with mint crisp and ice cream dessert or grilled beef.

Moulis-en-Médoc –

Château Branas Grand Poujeaux. Moulis-en-Médoc. 2022. 92-93 points.

55/35/10 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Petit Verdot. Young, spunky red fruit aromas—some raspberries and red plums with licorice, caramel and some soy. Sharp attack, fresh and medium weight mid palate, flavors that include red cherries, dark plums, hummus and red licorice. Bright acidity, low key tannins. A wine more for spring sipping in sunshine than for winter brooding. The tannins of Cabernet are toned down. Scintillating bitter cherries mid palate and a chewy finish.

Haut-Médoc –

Château Lamothe-Bergeron. Haut-Médoc. Cru Bourgeois Supérieur. 2022. 93-94 points.

Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend. An earthy set of initial aromas—moist soil, soy, acorns and walnuts and black berries. Clean attack, bursting mid palate with rich red fruits and a clipping acidic finish. Elegant, fresh, well structured and delicious. Balance of tannins and acidity and fruit is exceptional. Flavors of fresh raspberries. Pair with tuna steak or with a light risotto. Light and invigorating.

Château Larose Perganson. Haut Medoc. Cru Bourgeois Supérieur. 2022. 93+ points.

Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Dark aromas of gorse, pine, leather. Delicious and delightful wine—perky acidity, fresh flavors that include cherries, menthol, mocha. Easy drinking and satisfying. Bright and zippy acidity bathing the fruit flavors, and tannins supportive but quiet.

Château Larose-Trintaudon. Haut-Médoc. Cru Bourgeois Supérieur. 2022.

Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot blend aged in oak for 14 months. Bursting aromas of country lane brambles and young spring fruit—as well as a honeycombed crunchy chocolate bar, cranberries, bitter red cherries and plums. Fresh and lively acidic fruity attack followed by a layered mouthful of succulent flavors that include black cherries, chocolate chips, strawberry tart. Lusciously soft texture. Light compelling beauty—think Saint-Émilion meets Beaujolais. Pair with breaded wiener schnitzel or goat cheese lasagna. Fresh, delicious, gripping acidity and quiet well structured tannins.

Château Arnauld. Haut-Médoc. Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel. 2022. 93+ points.

Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Petit Verdot blend aged in new oak for 18 months. Crisp red fruit aromas and beautiful taste of melt in the mouth tannins, red cherries, strawberries, meringue and chocolate chips. Neat acidity and bright flavors. Pair with meatballs and pasta.

Château Charmail. Haut-Médoc. 2022. 91-92 points.

A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Aromas of a gorse glen, wet forest, cranberries. Firm and dark mouthful of mocha, blackberries and cherries. Firm tannins, somewhat wild acidity. Pair with meatloaf or a charcuterie board.

Margaux –

Château Siran. Margaux. 2022. 95-96 points.

Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot blend. Rich syrupy aromas that include wet earth, hummus, black and blue berries, red cherries and vanilla. Balanced mid palate with slight tension between acidity and the chunky red and black fruits. A full bodied wine for a main course that includes spicy beef or sesame and mango chicken. A hearty wine with bright acidity and firm tannins that will allow it to age for decades.

Château Deyrem Valentin. Margaux. Cru Bourgeois. 2022. 97 points.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot blend. Silky aromas of brioche, strawberry shortcake, graphite, black pepper and balsamic. Deliciously balanced and flavorful wine that gushes rich fruits, figs, plums, tarragon and soy. Pair this with gougères and sticky sesame chicken chunks.

Graves –

Château de Chantegrive. Graves. 2022. 92-93 points.

Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Chirpy aromas of woodlands, fresh hay, ripe red cherries, zested lemon in the acidity, charred beef and leather. Succulent flavors that include barbecued yam, teriyaki, cherry compote, figs and strawberry shortcake. Delicious and layered with zinging tongue tingling acidity and firm but low key tannins. Pair with shish kebab that includes pineapple and red peppers or with cous cous and vegetables.

Château Les Clauzots. Graves. 2022. 92 points.

Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend with 5% Petit Verdot. Young, spry, perky aromas of red currants, strawberries, maple syrup and black cherries. A generous and dark mid palate with flavors that include black currants, dark chocolate, bright red cherries. Bright and shining acidity, sleek tannins. Pair with meatloaf or black forest gateau dessert.

Pauillac –

Château Grand-Puy Ducasse. Pauillac Grand Cru Classé. 2022. 95 points.

Buoyant and delicious aromas of red cherries and macaroons, soy and menthol. Beautiful dark flavors that include balsamic, cheesecake, blue berries and brownies. A full mouth of joy. Blackberries on the finish. Pair with andoline sausage or with a vegetarian stew.

Prélude. Grand-Puy Ducasse. Pauillac. 2022. 93 points.

A Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend. Fine aromas of black berries, red plums and chocolate. Classic and balanced flavors—a malty mouthful that includes black pepper, red plums and dorp licorice. Elegant tannins, crisp acidity—both well integrated with fruit and alcohol.

Médoc –

Château L’Eden. Médoc. 2022. 95 points.

Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend. Full aromas of red and black fruit, sesame and black pepper as well as honey and fudge. An engaging and delicious wine, festive with its multiple layers that include morel mushrooms, cumin, jerky, soy and maple syrup. Slim tannic backbone, brilliant acidity. Pair with a three cheese soufflé or with roasted pork and cornbread.

White Wines –

Château de Chantegrive. Graves. 2022. 90-91 points.

A 13.5% alcohol Sémillon/Sauvignon Blanc blend. Aromas of spring flowers in bloom and gin and tonic and kiwi fruit. Brisk acidity; sharp but refreshing mid palate with flavors that include honey and mangos. Pair with comte or emmenthal cheese and sesame crackers.

Château de Chantegrive. Caroline. Graves. 2022. 91 points.

A 13.5% alcohol Sémillon/Sauvignon blend. A tart and honeyed set of silky aromas. Beautiful flavors that include nectarines, grapefruit, gooseberries, pineapple, menthol and golden syrup. Pair with prawns or sole.

Entre-Deux-Mers –

Vignobles de la Laurence. La Lolo! IGP Atlantique. 2022. 91+ points.

A dusky dark set of aromas that include pepper, red plums and slight coconut. Easy drinking 100% Merlot with 14% alcohol with flavors that include dark licorice, cinnamon and nutmeg and a wham of a finish. Tannins well enfolded into this bold juice, with bracing and brilliant acidity. Pair with a dessert that includes coconut and mangos or with a meze lunch that includes hummus.

Château Laurence. 2022. 94+ points.

14.5% alcohol red wine from Philippe Nunes. Dark fudge and red cherry aromas. This is the apogee of Chateau Laurence—with flavors that combine succulent black cherries as well as sage, coriander and eucalyptus and slight black pepper on the finish. Brilliant acidity; taut tannins. More layered and complex and richer than previous vintages of this wine. Pair with cannelloni or with a hearty stew.

Château Laurence. Petite Laurence. Bordeaux Superieur. 2022. 93+ points.

Cherry aromas on the first nose of this Merlot, followed after a feisty aerating swirl by maple syrup and golden syrup. Springtime in a whiff here. Bright and brilliant flavors of black cherries, rum raisin, oatmeal and chocolate chips and a lilt of sauternes on the finish. Acidity will tingle your tongue long after your sip; tannins seamlessly integrated. Pair with a smorgasbord that includes sharp cheeses, jerky and fresh vegetables—cauliflower and broccoli.

Château Sénailhac. Excellence. Bordeaux Supérieur. 2022. 92-93 points.

100% Merlot aged in steel for 18 months. Aromas of sawdust, woodland, pine cones and cherries. A silky mouthful with soft tannins, crisp red cherry flavors with slight caramel and mint on the finish. Pair with a plate of hard cheeses or gougères.

Clos Bertineau. Merlot. IGP Atlantique. 2022. 95-96 points.

From Philippe Nunes of Entre-Deux-Mers. Royally rich aromas of gingerbread, fruit cake, maple syrup, black licorice and menthol. Deliciously rich and fruity mid palate—red cherry laden with silky tannins and sky high soaring acidity. Fresh, zesty, delicious and including flavors of figs and allspice. Pair with a clafoutis dessert or with semi spicy samosas.

Solicantus. Melodie du Sol. Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. 2022. 93+-94 points.

aThis ‘melody of the soil’ wine is a 90/5/5 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec that aged for 12 months in partially new French oak. Aromas of hickory, smoke, cassis, red licorice, cumin, black pepper and orange rind. This glides like a river from mouth to stomach, a sleek and slippery flow of semi dark delight with silky suave lithe tannins and flavors that include rum raisin, beef jerky, black berries and chocolate. This is a compact package, a juice that brings joy.

Château Thénac. 2022. 94-95 points.

Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc/Malbec blend. Boysenberry, maple syrup and tar aromas. A meaty, full bore concentrated mid palate with flavors of cooked steak, blue berries and blackberry tart. Layered and well supported by dense tannins. Supremely supporting acidity. Delicious. Pair this layered beauty with a stew or with a tajine.

Château Thénac. Fleur de Thenac. 2022. 91-92 points.

Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc/Malbec blend. Young perky aromas of plums, roses and the earthy scent of a woodland trail. A refreshingly crisp and brittle set of textured flavors, with dark tones of molasses, hummus, black salty licorice and black and blue berries. Low key tannins and bright acidity. Pair with a walnut cake or grilled strips of teriyaki sautéed beef.

Château Thénac. 1621. La Porte des Reves de Vin. 2022. 94-95 points.

Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Aromas of petrol and molasses and cherries. Delicious dark flavors—caramel, candy cane, chocolate cake and black cherries. A layered delight. Tannins swelling the structure and acidity bathing the flavors.

Château La Loubière. Bordeaux Superieur. 2022. 92+ points.

Snappy and seductively candied aromas of black cherries and chocolate chips. Deliciously light and balanced mid palate with low key but well-structured tannins, bright acidity, and flavors that include orange sorbet, cherry tart and black licorice. Pair with hummus and mezze or with grilled duck breast topped by foie gras.

Whites Wines –

Château La Loubière. Sauvignon. Bordeaux. 2022. 93 points.

From Vignobles Jade. Crispy crackly bright tropical aromas—lime and kiwi fruit—as well as gunflint. Feisty attack followed by a delicious mouth feel, soft and swirling, and flavors of honey, pineapple, green apples and fresh mint. Deliciously engaging, and like the red Loubiére, seductive. Pair with a meringue dessert or with a soufflé main course.

Solicanthus White. Entre-Deux-Mers. 2022. 91-92 points.

A 60/25/13/2 Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, Sauvignon Gris blend with aromas of nuttiness, marshmallows, tropicals and salinity. Beautiful oily mouth feel and acidity slipped in between flavors of honey and honeydew melon. Complex, easy drinking, engaging. Pair with Asian food, or scallops dusted with paprika.