Bordeaux 2022 | Our Options from the Left/Right Bank, Sauternes & First Growth Houses!

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"The high quality of the bottled 2022 vintage is testimony to how good winemaking is in contemporary Bordeaux. Two years ago, our en primeur report sought to answer some of the crucial questions begged by the vintage: How did conditions so extreme deliver wines of such aromatic range and freshness? How can wines of such density and structure exhibit such textural refinement and charm? From cask, the best 2022s showed a singular style and immense promise… We are delighted to report, therefore, that the 2022 vintage has turned out brilliantly in bottle. With comparatively few exceptions, the best 2022s’ compelling marriage of ripeness and aromatic freshness, power and precision has made it into bottle intact." - William Kelley (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) on Bordeaux's 2022 vintage

For what felt like a notable stretch of time, Bordeaux was (and perhaps still is) a region that inspires a vast array of reactions from today's average wine drinker. There are the faithful and fanatical, who always have the unforgettable story to tell of their single greatest wine experience with a classic left bank Cabernet or right bank Merlot vintage, but there are also those we come across who tell us it's been years since they took note of the yearly 'en primeur'. No matter where you sit, what we can affirm for all is that there has been a welcome shift these past 5-10 years in Bordeaux's winemaking paradigm; famed labels that once needed decades in the cellar before softening now show tremendous drinkability and balance upon release. It's no surprise, as at this point in region's history, many of the children who grew up at each estate have now taken the winemaking reigns, and are bringing welcome new-world talent to their viticulture. No more is this clearer than with the new row of 2022 vintage releases!

As William Kelley stated above, or as Neal Martin from Vinous put brilliantly recently 'These are wines that foment euphoria, a handful with perfection in their sights. The 2022s are not warbling Neil Youngs. They are Freddie Mercury strutting the stage. The best will rock you", it is a year that has burst out of the gate right away. The very best that we've filtered for you down below, many showing terrific value, deliver heightened aromatics and powerful dark fruit opulence, while not straying into overblown territory. Alcohol levels, even the big ones, feel so well-integrated into the wine's DNA these days, rather than an intense obstruction. We are so thrilled with how they're looking, and of course, greatly anticipating how they'll transform over the coming years.

For any wine listed below, or any Bordeaux on our website, adding it to the cart on our website will apply an automatic 12.5% discount to the bottle's price! This deal will run until the 31st of December; we invite you to take your time to read all the acclaim behind each release below, and see the stylistic shifts in the glass for yourself over Christmas and the New Year!

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Médoc/Haut-Médoc

Chateau Beaumont 2022
(RRP $49)

"The 2022 Beaumont has a tightly wound nose with blackberry, briar and light tobacco scents unfolding nicely with each swirl of the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins. It’s quite structured and firm at the moment but will loosen up with time. Sapid and fresh, this is a delightful, traditional-styled claret that should age well in bottle." - 90 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous

Chateau Senejac 2022
(RRP $58)

"Vibrant, scented and delineated, showing expressive blue fruit, hibiscus, cassis, minerals and spices. The medium- to full-bodied palate is evenly packed with fresh and fine tannins. Graceful, velvety yet al dente. Spot-on balance with a lengthy but tightly wound finish. Already attractive, but wait three years if you want a more complete Bordeaux. This has the potential to develop for at least another eight to ten years." - 94 Points, James Suckling

Chateau Lanessan 2022
(RRP $59)

"Ripe and open on the nose - expressive scents of dark, sun-kissed fruit. Concentrated on the palate but with such a lovely weight and texture - slightly grippy, slightly chewy and cool overall. Feels nicely balanced, round and forward. Calm and fresh. Juicy strawberries with mint and aniseed." - 93 Points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter

Chateau La Tour Carnet 2022
(RRP $105)

"The 2022 La Tour Carnet is a potent, brooding wine. A rush of dark red fruit, iron, white pepper, leather and licorice stains the palate. This driving, persistent Haut-Médoc has a lot to recommend it. The 2022 is complex and wonderfully dynamic in the glass, qualities that will allow it to age gracefully for many years to come." - 93 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Saint-Estèphe

Chateau Lilian Ladouys 2022
(RRP $80)

"Fragrant and expressive on the nose with cassis, violets, cola, spiced blueberries and graphite. Massy and filling, the tannins have grip with both a fleshy texture and cool freshness which gives a push pull of ripe, opulent fruit, soft creaminess, and quite marked minerality in the coffee, liquorice and bitter dark chocolate spicing. Feels well constructed with precision but the power is still very much at the fore and this is focused on strength and muscles rather than easy enjoyment right now. One to wait for." - 93 Points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter

Chateau Lafon-Rochet 2022
(RRP $160)

"The 2022 Lafon-Rochet is pure class. Silky, aromatic and gracious, Lafon-Rochet is quite possibly the most under-the-radar Saint-Estèphe. Bright blue/purplish fruit, lavender, sage, mint and spice are all beautifully delineated. A wine of sublime elegance and class, Lafon-Rochet is exquisite in 2022." - 96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous 

Chateau Phélan Ségur 2022
(RRP $175)

"The 2022 Phélan Ségur comes from a growing season that was not straightforward due to the hail in June that cost 30% of production. This obliged the team to reconfigure the blend, as the first trials were found to be too rich and tannic. But the depleted yields produced an outstanding wine that will vie with the 2020 as a benchmark for the estate. The 2022 is actually quite understated on the nose with fine delineation of blackberry, bilberry, pencil lead and light forest floor scents. The palate is very well balanced with pliant tannins and a keen line of acidity, gently spiced with black truffle and subtle peppery notes toward the well-knit finish. This is an outstanding Saint-Estèphe that you would assume comes from a cooler growing season. Given market prices, this comes recommended." - 95 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous

Pauillac

Haut-Bages Libéral 2022
(RRP $155)

"The 2022 Haut-Bages Libéral is huge and explosive right out of the gate. A rush of dark red cherry/plum fruit, rose petal, blood orange, incense, licorice and mocha saturates the palate. Saline notes extend the mid-palate and finish effortlessly. This is one of the most exuberant, ample wines I have tasted from Claire Villars-Lurton. I would give the 2022 a number of years in bottle to shed some baby fat. Today, it tastes almost like a barrel sample! The purity and primary intensity of the fruit is remarkable. The Haut-Bages Libéral was raised in a combination of 40% new oak, 40% once-used barrels and 20% a mix of concrete and amphora. This is one of the under-the-radar gems of 2022." - 97 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse Réserve 2022
(RRP $169)

"The 2022 Réserve de la Comtesse Is a sexy wine. Plush contours wrap around a core of black cherry, plum, graphite and dried flowers. The 2022 is unusual in that it includes all the Petit Verdot produced at the property. That's a decision that paid off handsomely." - 93 Points, Antontio Galloni, Vinous

Chateau d'Armailhac 2022
(RRP $185)

"The 2022 Château d'Armailhac has a detailed and expressive bouquet that's classic Pauillac in style, with a little more black fruit than I noticed from barrel, here laced with cedar and pencil box aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with quite a succulent entry. It has plenty of fruit concentration, gentle grip, a touch of blackberry mixed with black olive and hints of allspice. There is plenty of energy in this Pauillac and as I wrote previously, there is a very pleasing crescendo at the finish. This is one of the best vintages in recent years." - 94 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous

Chateau Duhart-Milon 2022
(RRP $280)

"The 2022 Château Duhart-Milon is all finesse and elegance, offering cassis, black raspberry, spring flowers, spicy wood, and graphite. Medium to full-bodied, it’s incredibly pure, layered, and seamless, with utter class from start to finish." - 97 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

Saint-Julien

Chateau Léoville Barton 2022
(RRP $289)

"Cassis, graphite, smoky tobacco, violets, and a wonderful sense of minerality all emerge from the 2022 Château Léoville Barton, a riveting Saint-Julien that shows the style of this estate while bringing the richness and depth of the vintage. Full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful, it has enough tannins to warrant a decade of cellaring and will have 30+ years of prime drinking." - 98 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

"The 2022 Léoville Barton, the second vintage made in the new winery, was the first to be completely gravity-fed instead of using pumps. It has a magnificent bouquet that fulfills my admittedly lofty expectations given its showing from barrel, blessed with an almost pixelated quality that previous vintages perhaps lacked. The nose is very precise with pure black fruit and fine mineralité. Elegant and poised, the medium-bodied palate features finely chiseled tannins and just the right amount of bitterness on the finish. Very persistent—a Saint-Julien you just don't want to finish. This ranks among the finest in the appellation." - 97 points, Neal Martin, Vinous

Margaux

Chateau Palmer 'Alter Ego de Palmer' 2022
(RRP $299)

"The 2022 Alter Ego is bright, punchy and focused. Floral notes meld into a core of red/purplish fruit, spice, mint and orange peel. Medium in body and gracious, with sublime balance, Alter Ego is superb. In fact, the 2022 is one of the most refined editions I have tasted. It is not a very typical wine for Bordeaux, but it is among the classiest and most distinctive, without a doubt." - 95 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Chateau Brane-Cantenac 2022
(RRP $275)

"One of the standouts of the year - a wonderful wine with so much to like. Coffee, tobacco, liquorice, dark chocolate, blackcurrants and floral scents on the nose. Smooth, succulent and velvety, this is amazing, juicy and so bright and vibrant. Pure and so effortless, tannins are filling but fine and delicate and this has excellent clarity and purity of fruit. They really didn't try too hard but have still delivered a powerful wine with concentration and intensity yet brightness and such generosity of fruit and acidity which makes this so joyful. Simply wonderful." - 98 points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter

"Purple-black hue. Creamy, blue-black fruit on the nose. Huge intensity on the palate. Round, full and structured but fresh as well. Plentiful but finely grained tannins. Powerful but balanced. One for the cellar." - 18/20 Points, Jancis Robinson MW

Graves/Pessac-Léognan

Chateau Carbonnieux Blanc 2022
(RRP $120)

"The 2022 Carbonnieux Blanc is classy and elegant from the first taste. Bright saline undertones drive through a core of citrus peel, white pepper, chalk, sage and mint. This brisk, dry white is impeccable and delicious." - 93 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Domaine de Chavalier Rouge 2022
(RRP $250)

"The 2022 Domaine de Chevalier bursts from the glass with enticing blackberry, incense and blueberry aromas that do not hold back. Despite the intensity, it retains superb delineation and focus, with beautifully integrated oak. The medium-bodied palate is packed with black fruit laced with graphite and a dash of black pepper. Very well balanced, it is unequivocally one of the most powerful wines I have encountered from Domaine de Chevalier without compromising its classicism. This is outstanding." - 96 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous

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Saint-Émilion

Chateau Clos de l'Oratoire 2022
(RRP $135)

"The 2022 Clos de l'Oratoire is a gorgeous, sensual wine. At the same time, it is quite the powerhouse. The 2022 is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, so a bit more Franc than was once the norm. That, along with earlier picking, has brought added aromatic intensity and structure. Rose petal, dried herbs, orange peel, mint and sage play off a core of dark red-toned fruit. Give this time." - 95 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Chateau Grand Mayne 2022
(RRP $150)

"The 2022 Grand Mayne is a big, heady wine. Dark fruit, chocolate, new leather and licorice open in an ample, explosive Saint-Émilion loaded with character. Blood orange, spice, menthol and mocha appear later, adding aromatic lift and vibrancy to play off all that richness. There's certainly a lot of wine here. Gorgeous." - 96 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Chateau La Dominique 2022
(RRP $170)

"Ripe and concentrated aromatics, lively and open. Detailed and finessed on the palate - still quite tense and serious, the fine but grippy tannins take hold and drive the wine forward with a cool undercurrent of blueberries and cola. Oak spice comes alongside a bite of minerality with clove, salty stones, dark chocolate and powdery liquorice accents. Feels sculpted with power but delivered really elegantly - svelte and streamlined, this has yet to soften and expand, but there's all the hallmarks of a generous, juicy, concentrated wine with plenty of life ahead." - 96 Points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter

Chateau La Gaffelière 2022
(RRP $255)

"The 2022 La Gaffelière is fantastic, but it has also closed down considerably post-bottling. Supremely elegant and perfumed, the 2022 is an absolutely stunning wine. Blood orange, pomegranate, spice, white pepper, dried herbs and all sorts of floral overtones soar from the glass. The Franc is so impressive here. I don't expect this magical Saint-Émilion to be ready any time soon. Today, it is a wine of dazzling complexity and purity for the cellar." - 99 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Chateau Beauséjour 2022
(RRP $485)

"One of the clear standouts of the vintage! A sensual, fun, salivating and sublime wine from winemaker Joséphine Duffau-Lagarrosse that manages to give such generosity, power, terroir markers and overall drinkability. Aromatic, scented, open and expressive with cherries, blackcurrants, purple flowers and crushed stones. Sleek and supple, sharp, tangy acidity and concentrated ripe fruit - it’s forward and intense, direct but defined and detailed. Fine and supportive tannins have bite and a mineral tang putting you squarely in St-Emilion on limestone. Raw and wild in a way, but so expressive and open - honest and just such a captivating wine that belies the heat of the vintage with its cool menthol, blue fruits and lifted finish. Streamlined and focussed, sustained, determined and characterful - sleek in the best way, this is confident but not showy. Succulent, classy, polished. A brilliant wine." - 98 Points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter

Chateau Ausone 'Chapelle d'Ausone' 2022
(RRP $650)

"Classic Cabernet Franc notes of black raspberries, currants, spring flowers, candied violets, and sappy mint herbs all shine here, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a pure, layered, seamless mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. While it's not the best vintage for the second wines, you wouldn't know it by tasting this." - 96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

Pomerol

Chateau La Croix du Casse 2022
(RRP $99)

"The 2022 La Croix du Casse has a light, pretty black cherry nose with less of the prune element that I noticed en primeur. The palate is medium-bodied with soft tannins, black plum fruit and some dryness on the finish. This is early drinking." - Neal Martin, Vinous

Chateau de Sales 2022
(RRP $99)

"Vivid purple colour in the glass, aromatic perfumed nose with soft floral flecks and concentrated fruit. Chewy, bright, forward and focussed, there’s structure but a streamlined nature keeps the focus and drive but still with volume to the mid palate. Feels quite serious and a touch compact right now, lovely definition though, and a cool strawberry, blueberry juiciness that nicely contrasts the clear structure and density. Well controlled, mouthfilling, a touch hot on the finish but there’s such appealing plumpness and sense of life. Will be excellent to drink when it’s ready." - 94 Points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter 

Clos Rene 2022
(RRP $109)

"A ferrous nose with striking aromas of iron, strawberries and cherries. Clean and clear, this has an immediate brightness from the acidity which then settles with a chalky, iron grip towards the finish. Lots of sticky liquorice and cedar spice which will settle in time. Stops a little short but not too rich or intense, a lightly framed Pomerol. This has mellowed a lot from Primeurs and is now softer and more approachable." - 91 points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter

Chateau Rouget 2022
(RRP $180)

"A polished and complex Rouget with a fine balsamic touch. Dark plums, baking spices, white pepper and dried herbs. Round and powdery in texture, with ripe dark fruit and lush, melted tannins. Very long and appetizing. It’s marked by great length and ultra-ripe tannins. Approachable already, but this will gain complexity in the next two to four years." - 95 points, James Suckling

Chateau Le Bon Pasteur 2022
(RRP $199)

"The 2022 Château Le Bon Pasteur is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, offering a round, supple, and beautifully textured profile with red and black fruits, chocolate, tobacco, and hints of minerality. Medium to full-bodied, it has velvety tannins, terrific mid-palate depth, and a pure, layered style. Vinified in stainless steel and aged for 15 months in 70% new French oak, this voluptuous yet balanced Pomerol will evolve well for 20+ years." - 95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

Chateau Clinet 2022
(RRP $365)

"It's a beautiful Pomerol that clearly ranks with the greats from this address, offering a vivid purple hue, classic notes of cassis, leather, graphite, and black cherries, full-bodied richness, and a layered, seamless mouthfeel. It's another remarkable 2022 that brings the richness and depth of the vintage while staying light on its feel and flawlessly balanced. It has plenty of upfront appeal even today, yet there's ample structure here as well, and it's going to evolve beautifully over the coming 30 years or more." - 98 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

From Surrounding Appellations

La Dame de Boüard Montagne St-Emilion 2022
(RRP $59)

"Juicy and bright, clearly quite tannic giving some graphite, chalky and creamy texture, but a nice pish of fruit from start to finish. Concentrated but well worked, clean and direct, focussed with purity. Excellent acidity really gives the freshness and life, with the tannins giving some tension and restriction right now but this feels well worked and wil, be nice once softened a bit." - 90 Points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter

Clos du Boüard Montagne St-Emilion 2022
(RRP $76)

"The 2022 Clos de Boüard offers notable density and yet also remains light on its feet, with a good bit of energy and plenty of complexity. Dried herbs, citrus, sage, mint and blood orange add an exotic flair." - 91-93 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous 

Clos Lunelles Côtes de Castillon 2022
(RRP $92)

"Blue fruits, ink, salty wet stones, flint, and bitter black chocolate create an intense aromatic profile. Bright and brimming with energy - strawberries, red cherries, and chalky tannins lead to liquorice, tobacco, and toasted spice. Compact and focused, with a smooth, streamlined feel and a juicy core. The terroir shines, and the balance is impeccable. Ends moreish, immediately inviting another sip. Complete and true to its place."  - 93 Points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter

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Chateau Doisy Daëne Sauternes 2022
375ml Half Bottle
(RRP $74)

"The 2022 Doisy-Daëne is all class. Rich, layered and super-expressive. Dried flowers, coconut, chamomile, apricot and dried ginger all grace this deep, beautifully layered Barsac." - 93-95 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous 

Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes 2022
375ml Half Bottle
(RRP $570)

"A perfect Yquem again after the 2021, which is fresher and more refined than the 2022. The perception of sweetness is super-knit. Lots of botrytis, with turmeric, saffron, cream, roasted meringue, pine nuts, spices and dried mangoes. This is a powerful, seductive and lush wine. Ornamented and richer this year than 2021, but there is so much charm and harmony. Long and spicy, with a hint of petrol at the end. Wow. The second most concentrated Yquem after 1945, according to the winemaker. About 160 grams of residual sugar. So approachable now, but better in five or six years. It will live forever." -
100 Points, James Suckling

"A blend of 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2022 d’Yquem is a strong candidate for the title of wine of the vintage. Exhibiting a remarkably delicate, complex and energetic bouquet of rose, confit citrus, exotic fruits and orange marmalade, it’s full-bodied, dense and deep with a pristine balance enhanced by a fleshy core of fruit, bright acids and beautiful, gastronomic bitterness and dry extracts that segue to a long, ethereal, delicately perfumed and refined finish. Lorenzo Pasquini and his team have perfectly understood the vintage by privileging the third tries, fully exposed to Botrytis cinerea, in the blend, bringing density and precision along with an energetic and splendidly balanced interplay of bitterness and sweetness. Residual sugar levels reach 160 grams per liter, marking it as the second-highest since the iconic 1945 vintage." - 98 Points, Yohan Castaing, robertparker.com


Doisy Daëne 'L'Extravagant' 2022
Sauternes 375ml Half Bottle
(RRP $675)
*Only 1 bottle available (comes w/ timber box)

"Gorgeous nose, really full and exotic, thrilling and vibrant. Vanilla, cream, ginger and salted caramel. Sweet and unctuous, sugary and full, really generous expression on the rich, dense, heady and opulent end of the spectrum but so well delivered and still with mouthwatering acidity that gives the life. It's on the overt side right now, but there’s something really compelling about this. A fabulous wine with so much going on." -
97 Points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter

"The 2022 Doisy-Daëne L'Extravagant is decidedly understated in this vintage, surprisingly so. The 2022 is airy in feel, not quite as unctuous or creamy as it can be, but nevertheless compelling. White flowers, pineapple, mint and tangerine peel build with a bit of coaxing as the 2022 starts to fill out in the mid-palate, showing its textural resonance and total class. L'Extravagant is a total show-stopper." -
97 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous

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Chateau Cheval Blanc St-Emilion 2022
(RRP $1,950)
*Three bottles available, two included w/ timber box

"Looking at the 2022 Château Cos D'Estournel, this awesome Saint-Estèphe checks in as a normal blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that spent 18 months in 50% new oak. Remarkably concentrated yet with a graceful elegance, it has sensational cassis, graphite, spring flowers, and subtle tobacco-driven aromatics, full-bodied richness, a deeply layered, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, and a monumental finish. Hitting 14% alcohol with a pH of 3.79, it's as good a Cos d'Estournel as has ever been made. It actually has ample upfront appeal yet won't hit the early stages of its prime drinking window for another decade, and it will have 50-75 years of overall longevity." - 100 points, Jeb Dunnuck