2022, Les Perrières, BORDEAUX Supérieur Rouge (Ch. Lafleur)

Bordeaux Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc.

Founded in 2018 by Julie and Baptiste Guinaudeau, Les Perrières de Lafleur is grown and produced in Fronsac at Château Grand Village on limestone dominant soil. The vines for Les Perrières are from Lafleur’s massal selection of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the same vinification process and the same team – the only difference is in the terroir. "Lafleur on limestone."

Vitality, freshness, grip and length, this is an unusual interpretation of the vintage, reflecting not only the limestone soils on this spot located in the Fronsac area (although not bottled under the AOC), but also the deft viticulture and winemaking that you find from the Guineaudeau family, and the high percentage of Cabernet Franc in the blend. The colour is still hitting the inky depths that you find everywhere in this year, but a blue fruit and steel character greets you on the opening, and the tannins are finely boned, leading to a saline signoff. Continues to prove that Les Perrières is one of the most interesting new ventures in the region. 95 Jane Anson.

The 2022 Les Perrières de Lafleur shows just how adapted this higher-altitude site on the plateau of Fronsac is to warmer vintages. Wafting from the glass with aromas of mulberries and raspberries, sweet spices and rose petals, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with racy acids and a taut, mineral profile. It's another brilliant effort from this visionary project. 94-96 William Kelley, Wine Advocate.

So much sea-salt and chalkboard character with blue fruit and dark earth. Full-bodied yet chewy and linear with excellent length and intensity. 50% merlot and 50% cabernet franc. 94-95 James Suckling.

Drinking Window: 2030 - 2047