En Primeur Bordeaux 2022
A great vintage.“ (Wines which) have freshness, structure, tannic plenitude, racy acidity and, above all, disarmingly brilliant drinkability”. Georgina Hindle, Decanter.
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Overall
Another superlative vintage – remarkable some would say – with reduced yields, smaller berries, lots of tannins from the hot, hot weather - plus - the big surprise, probably due to the very wet winter prior - wonderful freshness, balance, concentration, complexity and age worthiness – making the 2022 both an exciting and reliable vintage to buy. Buy En Primeur while the prices are at their lowest, benefit from the vintage being approachable while young whilst also being suitable for long cellaring.
Reds Vs Whites
As you may have noted from the wines released thus far, the reds are favoured with scores a few points higher than their dry white and sweet counterparts. Moving past critic’s scores alone reveals wonderful reds and whites, which we’ve carefully selected from the offers so far. (As usual you can rest assured that we only pick the very best wine to present to you).
Right Bank
The Libournais are rejoicing presently, with Saint-Émilion & Pomerol producing very top-level outstanding reds – with luminaries such as Ch. Angelus and Lafleur at the top. Ch. Cheval-Blanc looks to rival the great 1947 vintage. While there are the usual high-profile 1st growths to buy, there are exciting mid-range wines worth your consideration too like Ch. La Grave & Laroque. You will see select Castillon and Fronsac wines like Ch. Vieille-Cure which have benefited from their limestone soil. For continued stylish whites, look to Grand Village Blanc.
Left Bank
The 2022 stars look to be reds from Pauillac, Saint Julien & Margaux. Look out for Léoville-Barton and Ch. Mouton-Rothschild. Overall the northern Médoc fared better under the heat than the Southern Médoc – watch out for top Haut-Médoc + Cru Bourgeois wines such as Ch. Charmail. The very highly rated value buys Ch. Lilian-Ladouys, Ch. Beychevelle and Ch. Poujeaux are winners. While the left bank predominantly produces reds, the top whites still have the perfect balance to shine – like Pavillon Blanc.
Graves
For top reds look to Ch. Les Carmes Haut-Brion while one standout for value and excellence is Ch. Bouscat. The dry whites shine with Ch. la Mission Haut-Brion Blanc , Dom. De Chevalier Blanc and great value Clos Floridène Blanc. While the sweet white wine growers had the most grief during the 2022 vintage, there is still very good drinking with Sauternes such as Ch. Climens, Ch. Guiraud & Ch. Suduiraut. As usual these will get better and better with ageing.
Pricing
Pricing has gone up from France -based inflation starting from a 7% increase - as reported by one of our contacts - but more generally up 15-20%. This is due to the aforementioned smaller yields, as well as the 2022 vintage considered (probably) a great. As usual we are pricing our wine competitively. You can see from our predicted landing charges that we keep the second payment lean too.
Sources with thanks to:
Our PMFW contacts
Decanter Magazine– Georgina Hindle’s Bordeaux profile
Jane Anson
As summarised by Katharine Maude
As you may have noted from the wines released thus far, the reds are favoured with scores a few points higher than their dry white and sweet counterparts. Moving past critic’s scores alone reveals wonderful reds and whites, which we’ve carefully selected from the offers so far. (As usual you can rest assured that we only pick the very best wine to present to you).
Right Bank
The Libournais are rejoicing presently, with Saint-Émilion & Pomerol producing very top-level outstanding reds – with luminaries such as Ch. Angelus and Lafleur at the top. Ch. Cheval-Blanc looks to rival the great 1947 vintage. While there are the usual high-profile 1st growths to buy, there are exciting mid-range wines worth your consideration too like Ch. La Grave & Laroque. You will see select Castillon and Fronsac wines like Ch. Vieille-Cure which have benefited from their limestone soil. For continued stylish whites, look to Grand Village Blanc.
Left Bank
The 2022 stars look to be reds from Pauillac, Saint Julien & Margaux. Look out for Léoville-Barton and Ch. Mouton-Rothschild. Overall the northern Médoc fared better under the heat than the Southern Médoc – watch out for top Haut-Médoc + Cru Bourgeois wines such as Ch. Charmail. The very highly rated value buys Ch. Lilian-Ladouys, Ch. Beychevelle and Ch. Poujeaux are winners. While the left bank predominantly produces reds, the top whites still have the perfect balance to shine – like Pavillon Blanc.
Graves
For top reds look to Ch. Les Carmes Haut-Brion while one standout for value and excellence is Ch. Bouscat. The dry whites shine with Ch. la Mission Haut-Brion Blanc , Dom. De Chevalier Blanc and great value Clos Floridène Blanc. While the sweet white wine growers had the most grief during the 2022 vintage, there is still very good drinking with Sauternes such as Ch. Climens, Ch. Guiraud & Ch. Suduiraut. As usual these will get better and better with ageing.
Pricing
Pricing has gone up from France -based inflation starting from a 7% increase - as reported by one of our contacts - but more generally up 15-20%. This is due to the aforementioned smaller yields, as well as the 2022 vintage considered (probably) a great. As usual we are pricing our wine competitively. You can see from our predicted landing charges that we keep the second payment lean too.
Sources with thanks to:
Our PMFW contacts
Decanter Magazine– Georgina Hindle’s Bordeaux profile
Jane Anson
As summarised by Katharine Maude
