"This is an extraordinary vintage that will go down in record books as one of the all-time greats." - Jeb Dunnuck
When Bordeaux's 2022 vintage premiered three years ago, there was some uncertainty as to how the wines would play out from such a hot, dry growing season, one which surely promised wines of massive power, ripeness, and weight. Would it be too much of a good thing?
As it appeared then, and as it has turned out now that the wines are releasing to market, it's an extraordinary campaign among the best of the century. As Dunnuck observes, "Now that the wines are in bottles, it’s clear they have fully lived up to the early hype—and not just at the high end. The 2022s are deep, layered, and concentrated while staying beautifully balanced, light on their feet, and elegant."
Today's selection presents an incredible treasure trove that showcases the vintage's greatest features at every price in the spectrum, leaving no doubt as to how good 2022 Bordeaux really is.
Licorice with tapenade, cassis, roasted spices and a touch of bergamot and pencil shavings. Full-bodied and structured, this has filigreed tannins in a very dusty, almost powdery form. Really youthful and long. Juicy and compact with spot-on balance. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 21% merlot. Give it at least three years to unwind and develop complexity.
97 points, Zekun Shuai, James Suckling (Jan 2025)
Rose buds, cassis, crayon, mint leaf, graphite, black tea, this is full of classic Pauillac character in a vintage where that is not a given. It has ridden confidently through ageing and I am still fully on board. Easy to recommend, great stuff. 60% of production in the 1st wine, Eric Boissenot consultant, 75% new oak.
97 points, Jane Anson (Mar 2025)
The 2022 Grand Puy Lacoste, observed out of barrel, offers a more sensual and generous bouquet than previous vintages, with blackberry, bilberry and cedar scents emerging from the glass with a hint of pencil box underneath. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, showing more structure than it did from barrel, which is precisely what you want from this Pauillac estate. Tobacco and graphite notes towards the finish linger beautifully in classical style. This is a very impressive wine that will mature with panache and stature.
96 points, Neal Martin, Vinous (Feb 2025)
This version shows the floral side of the vintage, with a vibrant mix of iris, violet and rose petal notes leading the way, backed by a core of pure and racy red and black currant preserves. There's a well-integrated singed cedar note running along its flanks and a long beam of iron driving the finish. Textbook. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2042. 10,000 cases made.
96 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (May 2025)
The grand vin here is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, and the élevage was in 75% new oak for 16 to 18 months. This possesses a gorgeous nose, one which seems to evoke the rich and dark fruit of the vintage as well as the fresh and gravelly terroir of this corner of Pauillac, with fragrant notes of mint, bay leaf and dried flowers laid over charming dark cherry notes and crushed gravel, all dressed with little notes of sandalwood and toast. This is all about the pure, fresh and charming fruit, with damson, red plum and black pepper on the palate, the fine textural quality of the palate resting on an imposing and ripe but dry and tightly knit tannic structure. A beautiful example of what can be achieved on the western gravels of the Grand Puy, this is an impressive vintage from Grand-Puy-Lacoste, one built for the cellar;come back to this one in 10 or 15 years. Tasted three times. The alcohol is 14% on the label.
96 points, Chris Kissack, Wine Independent (Jun 2025)
Vibrant floral scents on the nose - roses and violets with blackcurrants, dried herbs and chocolate. Smooth and round on the palate, this has an excellent weight in the mouth - silky tannins, fleshy cherry fruit, cushioning acidity and subtle spice all combines to give such a delicious mouthful of wine that feels cool and classic which wasn't easy in 2022. It has the Pauillac power but with real charm and drinkability. Well constructed and characterful with mineral markers in the wet stone and graphite as well as tobacco, tar, clove and espresso. I loved this wine En Primeur and it has totally delivered after ageing. A joy to drink and this will also age supremely well.
96 points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter (Jan 2025)
The 2022 Grand-Puy-Lacoste has turned out nicely in bottle, unwinding in the glass with aromas of cassis and plums mingled with notions of rose petal, tobacco leaf and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, bright and velvety, with a layered core of fruit and powdery structuring tannins, it's beautifully balanced.
95 points, William Kelley, Wine Advocate (Mar 2025)
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