2022, Château Grand Village Rouge, BORDEAUX Supérieur Rouge (Ch. Lafleur)

Bordeaux Blend: Merlot, Bouchet (Cabernet Franc).

Château Grand Village is a harmonious and rich wine, centered around a precise tannic spine. Harvested on the clay- limestone soils of Grand Village, this wine is considered today as the Village of Lafleur. 75% Merlot, 25% Bouchets (Cab Franc).

Always a name to look out for, this manages to achieve a nuanced, juicy feel amid the extreme conditions of the year, and you'll find an enjoyable delivery of plump raspberry and red cherry fruits, held in by austere tannins. Density builds through the palate, and this is a value pick. 30% new oak, 40% one year old, 30% two year old barrels. After a number of years of re-plantings, all Cabernet Franc here is massal selection from Lafleur, and half of the Merlot also massal from old Merlots from Lafleur. 91 Jane Anson

Baptiste Guinaudeau and his team have produced a beautifully pure, perfumed 2022 Grand Village that bursts with aromas of licorice, graphite, blackberries, pencil shaving, iris and fresh mint. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and fleshy, this outstanding wine is perfectly balanced on the palate with velvety tannins and a bright, saline finish. This is one of the very best Grand Villages produced to date, and it benefits from the sort of careful winemaking normally reserved for cru classé wines. 92-94 Yohan Casting, Wine Advocate.

Soft floral aromas on the nose, delicate and gentle with milk chocolate, salty stones and freshness. Sleek and well framed, smooth but direct, the flavours drive from start to finish in one direction and movement. Juicy and plump, but controlled, not shouting. Acidity is well balanced - soft but cool with cola and creamy aspects and tannins that feel well supportive, not lean, sharp or plush. Round and complete, carefully controlled and feels confident. Has a strength but well positioned and finessed with lovely salinity. 92 Georgina Hindle, Decanter.

Drinking Window: 2025 - 2030