At Jau Dignac & Loirac; 60% cab sauv, 40% merlot; grown in gravelly soil by the Garonne estuary. Deep red violet. That rich and velvety fruit that makes 2022 such an appealing winner. Cab sauv blackberry and merlot black cherry. Gifted by its terroir to have such a high percentage of cab sauv in Medoc. Yes, that 2022 suavity, that 'just right' flavor and feel combo. The tannins are well coated with rich fruit. Ho, hum, just another 2022 claret winner. 92/100.

Suckling 96; Dunnuck 93; Decanter 93; Parker 91+: 'One of the sleepers of the vintage is the 2022 Potensac, a dense, concentrated wine redolent of creme de cassis, cigar wrapper and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, layered and youthfully structured, this will reward a bit of patience. Drink 2027-2045.'

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

Decanter 94; 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 Macau and Cantemerle classic statement. The black bird sings. Proper measure of Grand Cru barrel sophistication in harmony. A complete Cantemerle. Sits right on the palate too, though the overall flavor and texture displays are more constrained by youthfulness. No matter; it's here for the long run. 94+/100.

Wine Enthusast 93; Anson 92; Wine Spectator 92: Parker 91+: 'A blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 5.5% Petit Verdot and 2.5% Malbec, the 2022 Cissac confirms its evolution toward a charming, delicate bouquet of dark wild berries, smoke, licorice and cigar wrap. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and layered, it has structured tannins, a fleshy, delicate core of fruit and a well-balanced finish with a spicy aftertaste. This is a real effort. Drink 2025-2032.'

Dunnuck 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.

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.'

Dunnuck 93/100; Anson 93/100; Wine Spectator 93/100.

Galloni 94; 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.'

Dunnuck 96; Parker 94: 'The 2022 Tronquoy has turned out much better than I anticipated, bursting with aromas of dark berries, cassis, cigar box and nicely integrated new oak, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and elegantly muscular palate that's dense and penetrating. This is well worth seeking out. Drink 2027-2045.'

Galloni 97; Dunnuck 96; Parker 93-95: 'The 2022 Haut-Bages-Liberal 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.'

Suckling 97/100; Anson 94/100; Dunnuck 94/100.

Suckling 95; Galloni 93; Dunnuck 93; Parker 93; Wine Spectator 93: 'Laden with warmed cassis and dark plum notes, this moves slowly as bittersweet cocoa, espresso crema and dark tobacco accents fill in along the way. Cedar and savory hints add range and cut to the finish, and there's ample latent depth. A touch old school and can handle some cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2038.' My notes: Inky red violet. That Pauillac cabernet black currant and cedar expressed more clearly in a claret from this source in memory. Of course, it's been a long time since I've tasted a Pichon Comtesse wine. There's a measure of plushness from merlot and the Saint Julien quarter too. And barrel sophistication. A treat for the senses and mind alike. Quieter palate. Constrained by both fruit and (even drier) oak tannins. In conclusion, the nose tells me all I need to know about its essence, the palate, its potential. 95+/100.

Dunnuck 97; Anson 96; Neal Martin 96; 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.'

Suckling 96; Anson 94; Dunnuck 94; Neal Martin 94; Parker 93; Decanter 93. My notes: Dark maroon. Innate St Julien sweet round fruit plus the exceptional lift and elegance of the vintage. Well integrated barrel extras. Yes, appellation sweetness and vintage charm. Fine grained tannins yield to the palate and promise good cellar potential. A paean to vintage, AOC, Chateau. All the pieces of the puzzle are in place. 96+/100.

Suckling 94; Anson 93; Neal Martin 92; 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.'

Est. 1457; bought by Anthony Barton's daughter, Lilian, in 2011; she's now in charge of all three Barton Chateaux; 59% cab sauv; 35%, merlot, 6% cab franc; aged in barrels 12-15 months, 1/3 new. Wine Enthusiast 92-94; Suckling 93; Anson 92; Wine Spectator 91: 'A stylish red, with warm clay, sandalwood and tea notes gliding through in unison with pretty plum and cassis flavors. The fine-grained finish shows a late flash of iron. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2034.'

Galloni 92/100; Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux 92/100.

Wine Enthusiast 92-94 (barrel sample): '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 (from bottle): 'A blueberry aroma and a creamy texture give this wine a gentle character. It is balanced with tannins that are already integrated. Drink this classed growth wine from 2028.'

Wine Enthusiast 94: 'A fine wine that shows great pedigree and density. The wine's dominance of Cabernet Sauvignon, with black currant aroma and black plum flavors, shows great potential. Drink from 2028.' Parker 92-94: 'A blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2022 Ferriere 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; Dunnuck 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.'

Suckling 94/100; Jane Anson, Inside Bordeeaux 92/100.

Galloni 94; Wine Spectator 94: 'Hibiscus and iris accents are infused liberally throughout a core of mulberry and blackberry puree in this version. Black tea and sanguine hints add range on the fleshy finish, which ends with a lovely sweet cedar echo. Textbook for the AOC and the vintage. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2040.'

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 notes: 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; Dunnuck 93; Wine Enthusiast 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 élevage, 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-Leognan. It will offer a broad drinking window and should improve with time in the cellar. Drink 2027-2042.'

Decanter 94; Dunnuck 94; Galloni 93; Parker 92: 'Denser and deeper than the Les Hauts de Smith, the 2022 Le Petit Haut Lafitte is a real success this year, revealing a lively, vibrant bouquet of dark wild berries, cassis, flowers and licorice mingled with delicate notes of rose. Medium to full-bodied, round and supple, it's layered and seamless and framed by velvety tannins, concluding with a long, floral finish. Perfect for gastronomy, this well-crafted Pessac-Leognan has plenty of freshness despite the dry season. Drink 2025-2032.'

Est. 1828; Jacques Perromat at Mazeres; 50% merlot, 40% cab sauv, 10% cab franc. Dark maroon. Classic Graves varietal set with some positive and characteristic black earth notes of southern Graves claret. Spot on. Full fruit flavor and range too, plus superior Graves body, density, delivery. Very light tannin on a lasting finish. 92+/100. Very well received. WOTN for at least one attendee. 'Very well made; balanced, complex.' 'Good body, structure.' 'Good deal from Graves.'

Dunnuck 95; Parker 93+; 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: 'A juicy blend of Merlot (along with a good proportion of Cabernet Franc), the wine is rich and structured. Juicy black fruits will develop well, as the wood aging adds a fine polish.'

That lovely ruby glow of 2022 claret. Beautiful contours. The revealing merlot and cab franc dimensions of the western Saint Emilion plateau clarets. Full of vintage charm and equilibrium. Fruit runs deep and is complexed by barrel influence. Class act at a good price. Spot on rep and value. Lovely fruit harmony of 2022 in its Right Bank glory. This is just SO right! Fruit runs deep and is complexed by barrel influence. Class act at a good price. Yes, just the right degree of fruit sweetness kept honest by the finest grained of tannins. Long finish both flavor and texture wise. Will improve. Tannin on finish for age worthiness. 93+/100.

Suckling 96; Galloni 94+; Parker 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.'

90% merlot, 10% cab franc; vines averaging 40 years; aged 15 months in oak barrels. Dark red violet. Black merlot push and depth, with decided, integrated, and inviting barrel complex. Yes, old vines merlot intensity with plenty of barrel sophistication. For a second wine, Grand Vin! 94/100. WOTN by a long shot. 'Now we get real wine. Super nice nose. Really good St. Emilion version. Complex; tannins in balance.' 'Great stuff and will develop.'

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 Merlot and 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.'

On clay and limestone; merlot (vines up to 90 years old), cab franc, malbec; aged 12-14 months in barrels and larger oak cooperage. Inky red violet. Well, now, barrels loom larger still. Definite woody complexity. Old vines concentrated, terroir superiority, most agreeable encepagement. Yes, a step up overall over the regional clarets tasted alongside. . Well integrated wood and fruit tannins. The old vines and terroir character are up to them. Hits well above its price point. Hard to believe these 2022 clarets are still coming forth, and demonstrating the same style and quality level as the earlier arrivals. 93+/100.

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.'

A nice and meaty St Emilion, not without 2022 elegance. Suave fruit of the vintage and a nice little back bite of tannin for cellaring. Deal. 91+/100.

70% merlot, 30% cabernet franc; 55 year old vines; aged 15 months in barrels, 1/3 new. Dark red violet. Surely one of the best of the Saint Georges satellite. Characteristic black fruit boosted by a substantial measure of cabernet franc. The barrel extras are generous, classy, and integrated. Good grip of fruit and oak tannin. Lots of dry extract concentration too. First class all around and surely worthy of the premium in its AOC. 93+/100.

Decanter 93/100; Dunnuck 92/100; Anson 92/100; Martin 92/100; Galloni 92/100.

Wine Spectator 93: 'This is fleshy and seductive in feel, with gently mulled black currant and blackberry fruit holding sway over savory, smoldering charcoal, just-tilled humus and worn cedar notes on the finish. Shows range and character. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2026 through 2035.'

Dunnuck 94; Anson 94; Galloni 92; Wine Spectator 92: 'Fresh and tightly focused, with a racy beam of red and black cherry fruit laced with violet and rose petal accents on the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2034.'

Parker 92+: 'One of my favorites this year and surely a wine that punches above its weight, the 2022 Joanin Becot reveals a perfumed, vibrant bouquet of iris, lilac, dark berries, licorice and violet. Medium to full-bodied, supple and satiny, it's lively and juicy with a fresh core of fruit, bright acids and fleshy texture, concluding with a fresh, ethereal and mouthwatering finish. This blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc is a real success and worth hunting down.Drink 2025-2032.' My notes: ' Fully in synch with 2022 equilibrium. The good oak complex of the higher class Castillons. What a lovely, harmonious presentation. Grip of fruit and oak tannin yet, like in the family's great Saint Emilion in youth. Cellar it. 93+/100.

Suckling 95; Dunnuck 94; Anson 94; Galloni 94; 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 Camarsac, Entre Deux Mers; proprietor Thierry Lurton; 95% merlot, 5% cab franc. Dark red violet. That's one dense, compact merlot. Nothing fruity and forward about the nose. Fairly loaded. Palate shows more merlot plushness, yet plenty of balancing acidity chimes in. Certainly of Superieur extra concentration. Eminently cellar worthy, which is rare at this price. 91+/100.

From Issan''s vineyards on the richer palus soils between Margaux's gravels and the estuary; 90% merlot, 10% cab sauv; barrel aged. Dark maroon. Easily the grandest and most complex of the set of five 2022 Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superieur clarets tasted 3/4/26. Clear and positive barrel influences, which is why I placed it last in the set. Full fruit and oak seasonings. Full bodied, full textured, deep and rangy. Plays well above its AOC. 93+/100. Well liked by attendees; Wine of the Night votes. 'Clearly the most complex and classiest of the clarets. Spice, florals, quality oak. Solid in every respect. Another wine in need of cellaring.'

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.'

At Galgon, northwest of Lalande de Pomerol; 45% each merlot, cab franc; 10% cab sauv; vine age 15-35 years. Similar appearance. The cabernets show stronger here. An attractive claret combo in full harmony. Seems to be some barrel influence, though surely no new oak. Adds range and depth. Again, barrel traits, including some wood tannin. Solid 2022 balance and fruit integrity. Could use a year or more for full tannin resolution. 91+/100.

At Saint Genis du Bois in central Entre Deux Mers; 70% cab sauv, 30% merlot. Dark maroon. Nose as dense and dark as the appearance. Unusually high percentage of cab sauv for these parts, and it shows. No ripeness issues. Darkness and grip of cab sauv. Plenty of substance and tannin. Not a come hither 2022. Built to last. 91++/100. Liked by attendees, while considered 'New World-ish', Significant oak vanillins came forth, and they were widely appreciated. As was the high cab sauv content. 'Smells like a more expensive wine.'

Vignobles Jean-Bernard Saby at Saint Aignan northwest of Fronsac; ninth generation; aged in seasoned barrels. Now here we have some color saturation. Inky red violet. Well, this is just wonderful. The power is positive and matched by fruit sweetness and concentration. Barrel influence is complexing. Another 2022 claret triumph. Unusually big in the mouth thanks to both high extract and alcohol. It's a miracle claret of climate change. 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 Gornac, Entre deux Mers northeast of Cadillac; 90% merlot, 10% cab sauv. Dark red violet. Mmm, and the deep seated purple fruit is right there, as the appearance promises. 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. Plenty of fruit and a finely burnished texture. Personifies 2022 claret at a bargain price. 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.'

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux 93/100. My notes: 'At Tizac de Curton,, across the Dordogne from Saint Emilion; proprietor, Pierre Lurton; merlot plus the cabernets. Strange to serve claret after Med France rouge. Claret alcohol statements lately are through the roof though. And this one smells fully 14% strong. And barrel influenced, another reason for the service order. Sweet and richly fruity palate. Large and modern claret, especially for the modest AOC. These Lurtons know what they're doing. Generosity over subtlety. 92+/100.

Est. 1833 at Donzac; 6th generation owner/winemaker Vincent Lacoste; vineyards on both sides of the Garonne; 85% merlot, 15% cab sauv; average age 35 years; yields under 2 tons per acre. Lovely dark red violet. Deep, old vine merlot dominance, concentration. Dark cabernet underlayment. 2022 stylish, harmonious. Definite old vines density of material. Well balanced. Fine grained tannins that food will take up. Long, tasty finish. 2022 continues to show the way. Good price. 92+/100. The overall attendee favorite of the clarets, WOTN for some. 'Great Bordeaux nose.' 'Wow! Great nose. Complex nose and palate. Nice oak treatment. Just wonderful and a great value. Even drinkable now.' 'Oak and spice nose, plenty of fruit. All the parts are there. Needs time.'

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.

At Targon, Entre Deux Mers; 60% merlot, 35% cab sauv, 5% cab franc on limestone, clay, and gravel; average age of vines: 35 years. Dark ruby. Old vines and merlot richness, cabernet form. Young, and well positioned. Tannins are dominating fruit expression at this stage. Fundamental equilibrium though, so a bargain cellar candidate! 90++/100.

Est. 1705; managed and made by La Gaffeliere's team; 90% merlot, 10% cab sauv. Dark red violet. A sweeter merlot nose. And a damn attractive one. Spells merlot. Cabernet tannins lurk in the background. Surprisingly tanniic for vintage and encepagement. So both fruit sweetness and tannins. A good combination for cellar candidate. 91+/100. Well liked by attendeess. 'Quite complex. Should develop very well. Huge bargain.' 'Quality winemaking on the first sniff. Barrel embellishments evident.'

Winegrower at Monsegur, Entre Deux Mers; 30 year old vines; 50% merlot, 25% each of the cabernets; Mary Taylor selection. Dark red violet. This is certainly not as 'tough' as the Vieux Manoir. It has an intriguing level of spiciness to it, sans barrel. Decidedly softer tannins on the palate than in the Vieux Manoir, despite having a higher percentage of the cabernets. Another MTS well knit cuvee. Not absent of tannins though, and flavor development to come as well. 91+/100.

Suckling 94; Dunnuck 93; Parker 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.

Parker 94+: 'One of the wines of the vintage, the 2022 Coutet opens with notes of apricots, spices and exotic fruits, setting the stage for a medium to full-bodied, round and supple palate enhanced by brightness and tension that culminates in a spicy, minty finish. Its balanced structure and lively acidity contribute to an ethereal ending, making it a very elegant yet chiseled Barsac. This blend of 94% Sémillon, 5% Sauvignon Blanc and 1% Muscadelle is matured for 18 months in barrels. Drink 2034-2054.'

Wine Spectator 95: 'Ripe, unctuous and deliciously rendered, this pumps out orange blossom, peach, apricot and pineapple upside-down cake notes that are seamlessly stitched with bitter almond and orange threads. Offers a long, seductively glazed finish. Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Drink now through 2045.'

Suckling 96; Dunnuck 96; Martin 94; Galloni 94; Wine Spectator 94: 'Juicy and fresh, with a mix of delightfully ripe peach and yellow apple fruit that plays nicely with honeysuckle, ginger and jasmine through the finish. Exotic in bent, with lovely energy. Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now through 2040.'

Suckling 99; Dunnuck 99; Galloni 96; Martin 96; Wine Spectator 95; Parker 95: 'The 2022 Suduiraut reveals a deep, complex bouquet of ripe orchard fruits, caramel, spices and mango. Medium to full-bodied, enveloping and mouth-coating, it's long and fleshy with great depth at the core and a long, mineral, orchard fruits-inflected finish. Entirely crafted from Semillon and matured for 18 months in barrels (70% were new barrels), this is a classic in the making and a superb Sauternes. This has 190 grams per liter of residual sugar. Drink 2034-2064.'