Bordeaux 2022

The 2022 vintage in Bordeaux is being hailed as a new benchmark, a paradoxical triumph born from one of the hottest and driest growing seasons on record. While such extreme weather conditions would typically lead to heavy, overripe, and unbalanced wines, the 2022 vintage has produced something entirely different and remarkable. The wines are defined by an incredible concentration of fruit, ripe and supple tannins, and, most surprisingly, a vibrant freshness and elegance that defies the blistering heat of the summer. This is attributed to several factors: cool nights that helped the grapes retain acidity, the deep-rooted old vines that were able to tap into underground water reserves, and a new generation of winemakers who practiced a more restrained and gentle hand in the cellar.

The resulting red wines are powerful yet polished, with a beautiful balance of intensity and precision. On the Right Bank, Merlot flourished on the region's clay and limestone soils, producing wines with layered textures and aromatic brilliance. Meanwhile, on the Left Bank, Cabernet Sauvignon also thrived, yielding wines with a structured yet approachable character. While the top wines are considered instant classics with the structure for decades of aging, the overall quality of the vintage is so high that even more affordable wines from less-famous appellations offer excellent depth and a polished style. The 2022 vintage is a testament to the resilience of the vines and the adaptability of Bordeaux's winemakers, creating a truly exceptional and exciting year for the region.