"The high points of the vintage touch the sky. Two thousand twenty-two witnessed the birth of legendary wines and unbeatable value-for-money." - Neal Martin, Vinous
We've devoted ample time to the first half of Martin's dichotomy above, and now it's time to look at the serious bang for the buck that 2022 Bordeaux is unquestionably capable of. Up and down the Gironde, on both banks, there is a raft of spectacular wines at more than affordable prices, thanks in large part to an unprecedented growing season that puts Bordeaux back in the limelight in a big way. Our latest direct-import container brings us one hit after another, and we've compiled a roster of true QPR gems that collectors, fans, and neophytes alike can dive into. Ripe for exploration and discovery, the list contains sleeper stars, hidden gems, and benchmark expressions that capture the very best qualities of this modern-marvel Bordeaux vintage.
The double 94-point 2022 Château d'Arsac is a powerhouse value at under $30 with "dense tannins and layers of black fruits and structure." The vintage has particularly favored the estate style in the 2022 Grand Corbin-Despagne, as evidenced by the wealth of strong press that accompanies it, highlighted by Antonio Galloni's 95-point review. "Soft and plush, with no hard edges and stunning balance," he declares, "Grand Corbin Despagne is impeccable."
Then there are the collectible all-stars of 2022 (and they are legion), as evidenced by the 2022 Branaire-Ducru and its astounding critical line led by a pair of 97-point scores. "A classic Branaire-Ducru that will age with style in bottle" according to Neal Martin, the 2022 manages to temper the more powerful and assertive characteristics of the vintage while conveying "fine, almost clinical delineation" on a "sleek and glossy" foundation. We fully agree with William Kelley that it's "worth a special effort to seek out." The triple 97-point 2022 Gruaud-Larose is likewise a super-savvy cellar contender, "one of the absolute classics from this château." This 2022 is a powerhouse St-Julien that conveys its origins with utter clarity, all while boasting a thoroughbred constitution that sets it up to cruise for decades in the cellar.
These are just a few of the highlights in a must-see line-up below, and once you dive into our entire 2022 Bordeaux selection, you'll find yourself scrambling to make room in the cellar, as there are almost too many outstanding propositions from this monumental modern vintage.
Made from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc aged 25% new oak, the 2022 Château Cote De Baleau has a deep ruby/purple hue as well as a brilliant nose of smoky red and black fruits, spring flowers, graphite, and crushed stone. I love its overall purity, and it's medium to full-bodied and has a silky, elegant mouthfeel, gorgeous tannins, and a great finish.
94 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Feb 2025)
The 2022 Côte de Baleau has an expressive nose with clean and precise blackberry, graphite, pressed violet and iris scents. The palate is medium-bodied with a little more flesh than the Poujeaux. It's crisp, focused and mineral-driven, with plenty of energy on the finish derived from the limestone part of the vineyard. This is superb.
94 points, Neal Martin, Vinous (Feb 2025)
This is stylish, with a core of mulled black cherry and black currant fruit that glides through, laced with chestnut, violet and alder hints, all backed by a tug of warm earth on the lengthy finish. Solid. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2027 through 2038. 4,500 cases made.
93 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (May 2025)
Very elegant with blackberries, black olives, spice and a hint of cedar on both the nose and palate. It's medium-bodied with well-integrated tannins that provide both length and beauty. Hard not to drink now. A blend 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc. Try after 2028.
93 points, James Suckling (Jan 2025)
This is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, and the élevage was in 25% new oak, 20% in concrete vats, and the rest divided between second and third-fill oak barrels. An attractive nose of plump cherry, sage and chalk dust, with some wood-smoke from the barrels here. A harmonious, delightfully polished start to the palate, generous but not over-the-top, with a supple midpalate filled with scented black fruits, liquorice and toast, with a smoky edge and finish mirroring the nose. This needs some time to soak up the oak, but it has a charming subframe of nicely knit tannins to carry it along in the meantime, and that elegant and harmonious styling will be of appeal to classicists. A good result in this vintage from Mathieu Cuvelier and team. The alcohol on the label is 14.5%.
93 points, Chris Kissack, Wine Independent (Jun 2025)
RIpe blackcurrants and soft scents of vanilla and clove on the nose. Juicy and lively with lovely crushed stone, powdery mineral tannins that support the fruit and don't overwhelm. This has a vein of spice running all the way through that gives a nice counter to the fruit and high acidity. It feels well worked with purity and precision. Really easy to enjoy with subtle power and lots of life.
93 points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter (Jan 2025)
Touch of gunsmoke reduction, and this remains extremely young at the in bottle moment, displaying austerity to the tannins and vivid plum and blackcurrant fruit. 15ha, Michel Rolland and Julien Viaud consultants, harvest September 13 to October 5, 20% new oak, 40% in stainless steel for 14 months.
92 points, Jane Anson (Mar 2025)
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