Created by ace consulting oenologist, the late Denis Durantou; 98% merlot 2% cab franc; at St Etienne de Lisse; aged 14 months in barrels, 30% new. Serious stuff. The oak extras really elevate this. Richness, race, complexity. Yow. Yeah, really rich fruit, balanced by power, acid, and barrel extracts. The tannins are fine grained yet suggest this can be aged to greater complexity and suavity. 93+/100.

Decanter 93/100.

Dunnock 92/100, Suckling 92/100. At Cussac south of Saint Julien; 50% cab sauv, 47% merlot, 3% petit verdot in Gunz gravel, 12-14 months in barrels, 1/3 new. Glowing red violet. Oh, this is so sophisticated, as it's become in recent vintages. The cabernet black currant in the fruit lead, and the barrel embellishments taking it to a new level. Wow. Deep, lush, complicated, dense yet 2022 fresh and lifted. No tannin interference. Just burnished fine tannin texture. Yes! 94+/100.

Suckling 94/100; Anson 93/100; Galloni 93/100.

Decanter 94/100; Parker 92-94: 'The finest wine this estate has produced in some time is the 2022 Cantemerle, a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc that bursts from the glass with aromas of sweet blackberries, violets, rose petals and spices. Medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, with an enveloping core of sweet, perfumed fruit framed by supple tannin, it concludes with a long, mouthwatering finish.' My notes: 'Black fruited and compact in youth, this has substance and depth. Well, 2022 and oak charms reveal themselves on the palate. This is indeed a 2022 take on Cantemerle. The tannins are not harsh; still, this will hugely reward cellaring in terms of more complexity. 94+/100.

Dunnock 92/100; Suckling 92/100. Owned by Groupe Taillan (with Ferriere, Gruaud Larose, Chasse Spleen, Haut Bages Liberal); managed by Celine Villars; the chateau's 'park' is noted for its peacocks.* Dark red black. Yes, black fruited to the core. And bright fruited as well. Some oak complex lurks. Very firm, dry, and tannic for 2022. Let's see what aeration does, though I suspect more bottle age will still be in demand. The goods are here. Lots of material and potential. 92++/100. Attendees agreed this was both closed up now and had the most cellar potential of the 2022s tasted.

At Cussac, south of Saint Julien; 60% cab sauv, 35% merlot, 4% petit verdot, 1% cab franc, averaging 30 years; aged a year in barrels, 1/3 new, 1/3 once filled, 1/3 twice filled. Label reads Bouteiller, the long time owners. It's since been bought (by Americans, I think). Dark maroon. Lushness of Lanessan emulates that of Saint Julien, its neighbor. Complex aromatics emerge, including more barrel influences than in Lanessans of yore--for the better. The elegance that is 2022, the harmony, the comfort. Dusting of fine tannin. Good cellar prospects. Yes! 93+/100. Huge group favorite. 'Wonderful and serious nose. Lovely rich flavor. Will develop superbly. Best vintage I've tasted.' 'Beguiling nose; spot on fruit; so well constructed; just quality wine. Yum.'

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux 92/100. Our notes: Vineyards in both Saint Sauveur and neighboring Pauillac; same owner as Domaine de Chevalier. Dark red violet. Much more cabernet impact here. The fruit is darker toned. Great purity of 2022 well represented here. Yes, the elegance and suavity of 2022 on display. There's aromatic development to come, but tannins are not obtrusive, so it might be useful at the dinner table already. Dry tannin on the finish though. Needs food if served presently. Good balance for bouquet development. 92+/100. Widely loved; WOTN; orders taken. 'Classic; quality cooperage.'

Owner Marie-Laure Lurton; at Avensan in the south; 55% cab sauv, 45% merlot; 12 months in barrels, 20% new; one of only six Crus Exceptionnel in the original, 1932 cru bourgeois classification. Now, here 2022 really makes a big difference. These are often backward, four square, and stodgy in youth. 2022 renders a gentle and revealing episode. Yes. Well, the palate is still pretty compact and tannic in keeping with its heritage. That's OK; it just directs it to the wine cellar for a spell. 93+/100.

Suckling 96; Parker 94+: 'As usual, this estate crafted another sensual, delicate wine in a region where power and austerity are often the norm. The 2022 Haut-Marbuzet reveals an elegant, seductive bouquet of licorice, dark berries, cherries and flowers mingled with barely noticeable oak. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and layered, it's enveloping with a fleshy core of fruit, velvety tannins and a long, mineral, almost saline finish. It's a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Drink 2028-2048.'

Dunnock 93/100; Anson 93/100.

Jane Anson 95: 'A vineyard that should perform strongly in this kind of vintage, because located right next to the river for air conditioning, with a mix of gravel with clear clay sections to retain freshness, and it's definitely one to look out for. Layers of redcurrant, raspberry and blackcurrant fruits, juicy mouthwatering finish, peony, pencil lead, orange peel, 3.75ph. Certainly this is a great example of Meyney. Hubert de Bo?ard consultant. A buy. 58% cab sauv, 29% merlot, 13% petit verdot.' My notes: 'Decades back, under the Cordiers, Meyney was rock hard in youth. Today, supported by the nature of the 2022 vintage, it is much more yielding and revealing in youth. Still, it's got that Saint Estephe solid core. Absolutely sweet on the palate as Meyneys go. Yes, 2022 fully imparts its style to this durable claret. The tannins are refined but ample, and a bit drying still. Big time cellaring rewards. 94+/100.

Wine Spectator 94: 'Black cherry and dark currant fruit is lightly mulled in feel, while sweet tobacco, chestnut leaf and singed alder notes wrap around it. The earth-tinged finish shows focus and poise. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2026 through 2038.'

Wine Enthusiast 94-96; Parker 93-95: 'The 2022 Haut-Bages-Lib鲡l is lovely, bursting with aromas of blackberries and cherries mingled with notions of orange zest, rose petals and violets. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and gourmand, with lively acids and a bright, chalky finish, its low pH of 3.54 reflects a decade of organic farming and the limestone subsoils that characterize this sector of Pauillac.'

Parker 95-97: 'A brilliant wine that's the finest young vintage I've tasted at this Saint-Julien estate, the 2022 Branaire-Ducru wafts from the glass with aromas of violets, blackberries, sweet cassis, licorice and pencil shavings, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and multidimensional palate that's succulent, sapid and perfumed, framed by supple tannins and concluding with a long, mouthwatering finish. It's a blend of 60.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31.5% Merlot, 5.5% Cabernet Franc and 2.5% Petit Verdot that checks in at a healthy pH of 3.65. Why is it so good this year- In addition to the quality of the vintage, the new gravity-flow winery means fruit can be handled more gently, and picked more precisely, sub-block by sub-block, as the team now have fully 63 vats at their disposal, almost double their capacity through 2020. Given the Maroteaux family's sensible approach to pricing, this is likely to number among the must-purchase wines of the 2022 vintage, and it comes warmly recommended.'

Decanter 93: 'Juicy and alive, energetic from the start, bright and vibrant with juicy, well-integrated tannins plumped up concentrated dark fruit giving the strength and richness. Broad and full with lots to offer, appealing and easy to enjoy with a sweet succulence at the end that lifts the whole palate and makes you want to try it again. Some salty, mineral touches on the finish too gives a nice lingering mineral flavour. Tasted twice. 6% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. A yield of 34hl/ha. Harvest 12-26 September.'

Parker 94-96: 'The 2022 Lagrange is brilliant, ranking alongside the 2020, 2019 and 2016 as one of this over-performing estate's finest recent vintages. Revealing aromas of dark cherries, cassis, violets and pencil shavings, it's medium to full-bodied, velvety and layered, with a deep core of fruit, beautifully refined but youthfully assertive tannins and a long, mouthwatering finish. It's a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot.'

Parker 90-92: 'The 2022 Chasse-Spleen was showing especially well, bursting with aromas of cassis and plums mingled with licorice and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with levels of texture and mid-palate amplitude unusual at this address in recent years, this supple, charming Moulis should offer a broad drinking window.'

Highest vineyards of the Left Bank; on gravel; 66% cab sauv, 33% merlot, 1% petit verdot; aged a year on barrels, 1/3 new. More barrel impact up front than in the Lanessan plus a slightly darker cabernet demeanor. Surprisingly rich and round for Listrac. Great cabernet flavor, grip, fine tannin. Big in the mouth. One serious vintage for this Chateau. 93+/100.

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux 92/100.

Wine Enthusiast 92-94: 'This classed growth from Margaux is showing a spurt of quality in this firmly structured wine. The wood aging is prominent but does not mask the rich black fruits. It has a core of tannins that will eventually balance with the acidity.'

Wine Enthusiast 93-95; Parker 92-94: 'A blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2022 Ferri貥 offers up aromas of dark berries, plums and sweet soil tones, followed by a medium to full-bodied, rich and layered palate that's suave, elegantly muscular and lively. From biodynamically farmed clay-rich gravels, this 18-hectare estate (formerly leased to Chateau Lascombes) possesses an unusually high proportion of old vines, with fully one-third of their vineyards over 70 years of age.'

Est. 1791; owned by Claire Villars-Lurton; 25hl/h yield (under 2 tons per acre); aged in 15% new barrels, 35% second year barrels, 35% in concrete eggs, 15% amphorae;. 53% cab sauv, 30% merlot, 17% petit verdot; Mr. Chip (the importer) is really keen on this one. Very dark red violet. A lot of Margaux charm. Complex of aging vessels augmentations. Concentrated, yet still 2022 and Margaux elegant. Ideal 2022 suavity, harmony in both flavor and textural ranges. Black fruited La Gurgue style. Top vintage of this, in the best of hands now. 94+/100. Attendees sure agreed with Mr. Chip. Big time group favorite. 'Wonderful nose and palate. Very complex. Long finish. Nice oak influence. Grand Cru Classe quality.' 'Oh so young, oaky, tannic.' 'Needs further cellaring. Excellent indeed.'

Suckling 98; Dunnock 98; Wine Enthusiast 96; Parker 95: 'The 2022 D'Issan has turned out beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of minty cassis, rose petals, pencil shavings and vine smoke. Medium to full-bodied, suave and velvety, it's deep, complex and well-balanced, with a sweet core of fruit and ripe structuring tannins. It's a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Drink 2027-2055.'

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeeaux 92/100.

Wine Enthusiast 93; Jane Anson 93: Inky plum depths to the colors here are vivid and inviting, and on the palate you get plenty of character and spice. Things are high volume and intense, with ripe blackberry and loganberry fruit, autumnal but still with plenty of juice and texture. Good quality. 32hl/h yield. 65% cab sauv, 30% merlot, 5% petit verdot.' My notes: Just breathes class Margaux fruit and class oak extras. Full, and full of charm. Yes, the oak is just as elegant as the 2022 fruit, and it's well integrated as an infusion rather than a superficial seasoning. Well balanced, the tannins are not harsh. A beauty, even in youth, and fully Grand Cru Classe. 95+/100.

James Suckling 93; Wine Enthusiast 92: 'Marie-Laure Lurton,'s estate has created a well balanced, juicy and fruity wine. Fine tannins, a black currant aroma and layers of black fruits, give a textured, ripe wine. Drink from 2028.' My noes: This has more substance, more stuffing than previous vintages I've tasted. It's not particularly 2022 and Margaux elegant, but the superiority in constitution to past years is impressive. Well, there is a degree of Margaux charm and perfume coming forth on the palate. Some oak to absorb and fruit and oak tannins to resolve. Still, this seems to be coming of age as the vines mature. 92+/100.

Suckling 94; Anson 94; Dunnock 93; Parker 92: 'The second year of organic conversion marks a new start in Bordeaux's classic estate. Evoking aromas of dark berries, flowers, spices and oak, the 2022 Bouscaut is medium to full-bodied, round and dense on the palate with chewy tannins and a slightly dry finish attributed to an oaky, toasty aftertaste and characteristic Cabernet grip. Overall, it represents a commendable effort. Drink 2036-2032.'

Parker 96: 'The 2022 de Fieuzal meets all expectations, unfurling with a perfumed bouquet of violet, iris, dark wild berries and flowers. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and layered, it gains depth with the 鬥vage, revealing a fleshy core of fruit and an enrobing mid-palate framed by velvety, sweet tannins. Finishing long, ethereal and fresh, this blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot is one of my favorite wines in Pessac-L鯧nan. It will offer a broad drinking window and should improve with time in the cellar. Drink 2027-2042.'

Decanter 94/100.

Jane Anson 93: 'Brushed velvet tannins, plenty of tannic grip and a spicy core, this has the character of the vintage, with an architecture that is a little chunky and takes its time to stretch out, but once it relaxes, the finish is long and refreshing, with edges of rosemary, sage, saffron and slate. Enjoyable. 45% new oak 82% merlot, 14% cab franc, 4% petit verdot.'

Wine Enthusiast 92-94: 'The wine boasts ripe black fruits, whose tannins have richness. The wine's density comes from the Merlot in the blend, which is being partly aged in amphoras.'

Parker 93-95: 'Another impressive performance from this estate, the 2022 Laroque offers up aromas of sweet berries, violets, iris and exotic spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered palate with a rich core of fruit that's framed by lively acids, concluding with a taut, chalky finish. Once again, it's the result of a strict selection that sees only 45% of the production released as the grand vin.'

Parker 91-93: 'Exhibiting notions of dark berries, blackberries and licorice, the 2022 Tour Saint Christophe is medium to full-bodied and has an enveloping texture with a fleshy core of fruit and powdery tannins leading to a long, rather concentrated finish. This blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc from vines planted on clay-limestone soil is a real success.'

Suckling 94; Anson 93; Galloni 93. My notes: Created by ace consulting oenologist, the late Denis Durantou; 98% merlot 2% cab franc; at St Etienne de Lisse; aged 14 months in barrels, 30% new. Serious stuff. The oak extras really elevate this. Richness, race, complexity. Yow. Yeah, really rich fruit, balanced by power, acid, and barrel extracts. The tannins are fine grained yet suggest this can be aged to greater complexity and suavity. 93+/100. Loved by attendees. 'Super rich and long. Also very classy and lovely nose.' 'Candidate for the cellar with this structure. Quality in every aspect.'

Decanter 93: 'Lovely fragrance on the nose, so scented and perfumed, really expressive and open on the nose. Juicy and supple, gorgeous mouthwatering acidity with quite a compact palate giving a push-pull of freshness and texture. The tannins are at the fore but nicely fill the mouth with fleshy black and red fruit - filling but not harsh. Lots of liquorice and spiced elements but all well integrated. Has a sense of style and polish with plenty of flavour and long length - really sustains interest and lasts and lasts. Will be delicious. Simon and Loic from Derenoncourt. Added two more small plots of 1.5ha so they now have 6.5ha. Soil is the same, only clay, with veins of blue clay especially where the old Merlots are. Average age of vines is 45. Yield of 30hl/ha. Harvest 19 and 20 September for Merlotand Cabernet Franc 23 September. Ageing 16 months, one third new oak in 500l barrels, one third one year old barrels (part 500l, 225l), the rest two year old barrels 225l.'

90% merlot, 10% cab franc; 20+ year old vines; 30% aged in once and twice used oak barrels. This has more elegance, more intrigue. And more barrel influence. Thus more subtle and more complex. Consistent with previous vintages. Surprising measure of tannin for the vintage. It's fine grained. The fruit and oak flavor melange build as it warms in the mouth. Good acid for balance. This will cellar well. 92+/100. While more fruit emerged with aeration, attendees enjoyed this most for the positives I've described. 'Both serious and tasty.'

Est. 1711 by the Cisterian Abbey of Fraize; all merlot this vintage. Quite the contrast. Herbaceous merlot and little barrel influence. Chateau La Gurgue Margaux is a tough act to follow. Growing in aromatic range and interest as it airs. Good fullness, terroir and variety roundness and richness. And good acid too. 2022 equilibrium. As it distances itself from La Gurgue and becomes its own thing, it's pretty damn impressive. And half the price of its predecessor. 92+/100. Attendees agreed this suffered for the tasting order. 'Lighter and less backward but certainly quality fruit.'

Decanter 93; Suckling 93; Dunnock 92; Anson 92; Martin 92; Galloni 92.

Wine Spectator 93: 'This is well-built, with reserved notes of black cherry reduction and cassis carried by the refined structure as subtle accents of chalk, black tea and smoldering tobacco infuse the background. Sneakily long, with a pretty floral echo. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2026 through 2036.'

Proprietress Isabelle Valbom-Nadal at Arveyres in Entre Deux Mers south of Libourne. Shows a dark fruit disposition. I'd guess the cabernet percentage is high in this one. Sweet, elegant, attractive, well poised example of 2022 claret. Sweet fruit on the palate too. And that 2022 evenness. Good acid. Dusting of tannin. Harmonious and delicious now. Likely to age gracefully. 91/100.

At Saint Loubes in northwest Entre Deux Mers near the Dordogne; merlot and cab sauv. Plush, forward merlot backed by cabernet black fruit solidity. Well crafted. Tres claret, with 2022 elegance. Even sweeter in the mouth. But not pandering. There's 2022 moderation, equilibrium. Plenty of flavor and length. No balky tannins. Definite value. 91/100. Order a dozen bottles and score a branded wood box.

At Saint Christophe des Bardes, in the jurisdiction of Saint Emilion; all merlot; clay soil. Even darker and deeper appearance. Wow, this is larger in power, scope, depth, and, dare I say, complexity. Really something. Total flavor and mouthfilling experience. This is up to full Saint Emilion quality. One of the Bargains of the Year. 93/100. Attendees agreed. The most popular of the six for price/quality ratio. 'The new barrels show. Classy wine - very fine and a bargain. Merlot style at its best.' 'Serious depth and structure. Great value.'

In the Fronsac area; 90% merlot, 10% cab franc. Shimmering dark maroon. Ripe merlot to the max here. As always. Tempered a bit by 2022 elegance. Sure can't fault its generosity. Palate confirms the lushness. Which harnesses the power and is kept honest by the same. Good acid and tannin complete a large scale, balanced presentation. Long finish. 91/100. Attendees echoed my descriptions and approval.

At Gornac, Entre deux Mers northeast of Cadillac; 90% merlot, 10% cab sauv. Dark red violet. Freshness and equilibrium of the vintage. Wears its power well. And the power adds to the mouthfilling experience, rich in fruit, acid, and fine tannin. Lasting feels and flavors. Overachiever for the price. Will improve. 91+/100. The 22 claret sextet was overwhelming popular with attendees; many orders taken. This one: 'Lovely fruit nose with well balanced fruit palate. really quite delish. This is the kind of Bordeaux I always wanted to find but never have before. Real claret taste but also easy to drink. Loved by all, especially at the price.'

On clay-limestone hilltops overlooking the Dordogne valley; 60% merlot, 20% cab sauv, 10% cab franc; 4 Gold Medals. Dark red violet. Compact, intense, and properly ripe and fruity dark fruit. Nice intro to 2022 claret. Totally together. The fruit, the concentration, the acidity, the underlying fine tannin. Just a picture of harmony on the palate. Develops even more range and spicy extras as it warms in the mouth. Wow. No wonder 2022 is so highly touted. 91/100.

At Moulon; 80% merlot, 10% each of the cabernets. Deep, dark red violet. Nose a bit reticent. There's good fruit material deep down there. Should improve with aeration. Richer and more flavorful on the palate. Vintage and merlot forward and accommodating in the mouth. This has form, depth, and balance too. And acid and light tannin. Our first 2022 claret is a winner. 91+/100. Widely appreciated; orders taken. 'Ripe, and fine concentration. Primary and juicy.' Good length, good value.' Attendees noted that the tannins won't take long to resolve.

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux 93/100; Parker 91-93: 'A blend of 65% Sauvignon and 35% S魩llon, the 2022 Carbonnieux Blanc reveals a delicate bouquet with aromas of lemon, jasmine, linden, smoke, pear and peach, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and concentrated palate that's deep and harmonious, with a bright core of fruit and a zesty, mineral-driven finish. Built around racy acids, this is a very classy Carbonnieux Blanc that's built to age with grace.'

Second wine of the Grand Cru; first vintage, 1990; half each semillon, sauvignon blanc; aged 7 months on lees in barrels, 20% new. The varieties, the lees, the barrels--all evident and properly proportioned. Aromas a little retarded by the cold temperature. No problem. Everything hangs together so well. Oh, and everything just BUILDS with warmth and aeration. The sauvignon citrusy raciness really comes out on the palate, but it does not take over. I just love the overall display, the class, the seamless harmony. Forever. 93+/100. Widely liked by attendees. Orders taken.

Parker 90-92: 'The 2022 L'Esprit de Chevalier Blanc, a blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon, reveals aromas of spices, pear, peach, menthol and lemon. On the palate, it's fleshy and elegant, with bright acids and a long, saline finish. This is a great effort for a second wine.'

At Saint Loubes, in northern Entre deux Mers bordering the Dordogne across from Fronsac. Closed up nose upon opening. With aeration citricity comes in a Bordeaux sauvignon's sensible rather than exaggerated manner. Understated tangerine and mango flavors mark the palate. Very nice balance, burnished texture, and extended finish carry it along. Ultimately, a winner. 91/100. 'Very easy to drink; a summer day on a glass.' Order a dozen bottles and score a branded wood box.

At Cessac in the heart of Entre deux Mers;; 6 generation estate; 15 years average vine age; aged on lees. Definite sauvignon contrast after one from the lower Loire. The heavier, thicker, more southern take. No plodder, it has soft tropical fruit highlights. I like it. Yes, this is richer and weightier; still, it has sauvignon race and lift. Good acid for vintage and full and lasting textural appeal. 91/100. Popular with attendees. 'Very aggressive herbal nose; huge herbal palate; lots of wine for the money.'

In Entre deux Mers; sauvignon blanc and semillon. Pretty quiet nose at cold temperature. Warming in the mouth doesn't help it along much aromatically. Seems properly proportioned enough. Just speechless upon opening. Take it away, group. After two hours' aeration, attendees took it and ran with it. 'Best white Bordeaux in a long time.' 'Gooseberry sauvignon nose, semillon rich palate, good acid cut, good value.' 'Gooseberry, mineral, great acid; pretty and food friendly.' They LIKED it! 91/100.

85% sauvignon, 15% semillon; at Saint Genis du Bois; named for the estate's director. That's a full and traditional Bordeaux take on sauvignon, plumped up a little by the semillon. Nothing 'tropical' about it. Speaks 'dinner wine'. Yes, the promised largesse in the mouth. Oh, and little passion fruit sneaks in. Mouthfilling, balanced, and delicious, really. Freshest and best vintage yet of this. Great price. 92/100. The panel agreed. Descriptors included cat pee, herbs, tropics, minerals. 'Entertaining.'

At Preignac; old vines; 95% semillon, 5% sauvignon blanc; owned by a former partner of Chateau Suduiraut. Luscious lemon creme, pineapple, and tupelo honey. Good power complements the sweetness of smell. The complete 2022 Sauternes package. Lavish sweetness replete with botrytis tea and tobacco. The sweetness coats the rest of the textural aspects at this stage. Still, there is a sense of innate harmony waiting to take center stage after a few years in the cellar. Another impressive vintage here, each unique. 94+/100. Widely judged WOTN by attendees. 'Wonderful nose and super rich and sweet palate.' 'Pineapple, mint, apricot, walnut, white chocolate.' 'Huge RS, but the acid is there.' 'Delicious, and years away from peaking.'