"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.
Deep ruby-hued, the 2022 Château Poujeaux is based on 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot. It offers a wonderful perfume of ripe black cherries and hints of cassis as well as sappy spring flowers and subtle tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, with ultra-fine tannins and no hard edges, this might be one of the greatest Poujeaux made. I would drink bottles over the coming two decades, but it will last even longer.
94 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Feb 2025)
The 2022 Poujeaux is quite the powerhouse. A burst of dark red/blue fruits, cedar, pipe tobacco, incense, new leather and licorice saturates the palate. Dense, potent and explosive, the 2022 is certainly not a shy wine. It captures the essential qualities of the year in its interplay of opulent fruit and energy. I would prefer to cellar the 2022 for at least a few years. There's a lot of wine here. Tasted two times.
94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Jan 2025)
This is really structured and tannic, but the phenolics are very polished and creamy. You smell blackcurrants and minerals with fresh herbs, such as thyme and bay leaf. It's medium-bodied with firm, polished tannins and a long, intense finish. This will age beautifully. Excellent value for a cellar-worthy wine. 55% cabernet sauvignon, 42% merlot and 3% petit verdot. Wait until 2030 for this to soften.
94 points, James Suckling (Jan 2025)
High expectations for this estate in 2022, and it delivers by keeping a foot on the brake in the face of the high intensity potential of the vintage. This is impressive, so much Left Bank character, full of slate and liquorice, easy to recommend with ageing potential. Transmits a real joy among the tannins, and the ripe blackberry and cassis fruits have purpose and personality. Harvest September 15 to 30. First time to bring the temperature down to 24C during fermentation, still with natural yeast. Estate manager Christophe Labenne. 33% new oak, 3.85ph. 33% new oak.
94 points, Jane Anson (May 2023)
This is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, and the élevage was 16 months in the traditional one-third each of new, second-fill and third-fill oak. This opens with a dark, fragrant and enticing aromatic profile, with dark cherry, blackcurrant, sage, currant and slate. The palate carries the same confidence, with a dark and highly polished core of dark summer berry fruits, wrapped in ribbons of white chalk and white peach, all resting on a core of rich and nicely polished tannins. Classically styled, there is freshness and a sense of dark energy here, and a good length too. A very impressive Poujeaux, with savoury grip and depth, which should develop great interest given the chance. Tasted twice. The alcohol on the label is 14%.
94 points, Chris Kissack, Wine Independent (Jun 2025)
More charming and less austere than during the en primeur tastings, the 2022 Poujeaux has turned out very well today. Revealing a complex, deep bouquet of dark berries, cassis, spices, licorice and pencil lead, it's medium to full-bodied, concentrated and rich with a fleshy core of fruit wrapped in velvety, structured tannins, concluding with a precise, pure and dark berries-inflected finish. Matured for 18 months in a combination of new (30%) and used barrels, the oak is barely noticeable. This blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot should age gracefully over the next decade and more.
93+ points, Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate (Mar 2025)
A tight black currant aroma marks this wine. The blackberry flavors are enhanced by the polished texture from the wood aging. The finish brings out chocolate and spice flavors. Drink from 2028.
93 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (Oct 2025)
Clean and crisp, but tight and compact, initially a gorgeous burst of blue fruit with cool stony edges, dense but refined, before quite firm tannins come into play. I like the energy, adds a touch of vibrancy to the fruit which is appealing before the really quite herbal and spiced tannins take over. Nice potential but not as generous and easy as some. Taught but purposeful. Harvest 15-30 September. Yield of 40hl/ha. 3.85pH. Ageing in French oak for 12 months, 33% new. Derenoncourt consultants.
92 points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter (Apr 2023)
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