Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is expressive, showing ripe dark berries with intensity. On the palate, the fruit is also ripe but not overripe, balanced by fresh red berries, a fine herbal lift, some minerality, and a subtle touch of seductive oak. The tannins are fine and integrated, with no intrusive wood texture, but the wine does not quite reach the precision or definition of the top performers in the tasting. A well-balanced and elegant L’Evangile, though not a standout.
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose shows muted fruit and a surprising green streak, which also appears on the palate. There is very little aromatic expression, and what is there leans vegetal. The tannins are fine and unobtrusive, but the wine lacks fruit core and mid-palate energy. Uncharacteristically green for the vintage — this may have been an off bottle.
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is bright, pure, and fresh, bursting with dark red fruit, florals, and minerality. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and precise, showing red and blue berries, a floral lift, and crystalline minerality, all delivered with a satin-like texture and perfect balance. The alcohol is modest at 13.9%, and it shows — this is light, seductive, and refined, yet full of presence. Easily the best Conseillante since 2016. She nailed it.
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is elegant and lifted, with clean, fresh fruit. On the palate, the wine shows a remarkable shift in style compared to past vintages — this is more precise, less ripe, and beautifully composed. There is a clear red fruit purity, supported by fine structure and freshness. It is already layered and expressive, with ageing potential. Possibly the best Clinet since 1989/1990.
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is a bit reserved, while the palate is more open and generous, showing ripe but not overripe fruit, a light and airy texture, and fine, silky tannins. There is some energy and purity, but also a touch of wildness that will need time to settle. Not as polished as some others today, but with clear potential and a good showing overall — especially compared to Pavie in the next glass.
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is ripe and dark, with sweet fruit and more prominent oak than most others in the tasting. The palate leans toward darker fruit, spice, and wood tannins, with less airiness and elegance than the vintage seems to encourage. While not flawed, the wine lacks harmony and finesse and may not age as gracefully. The depth of terroir is there, but the style still feels stuck in the past.
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is quiet but composed, showing layered red and dark red fruit with hints of herbs and minerality. On the palate, the fruit is fresh and not overly ripe, offering clarity and lift. The tannins are fine but not as polished as the top wines, leaving some edges that time should resolve. The structure is light and elegant, supported by excellent freshness. A very good wine with upside, especially considering its value proposition.
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose needed time and swirling to open up. On the palate, the wine shines with incredible purity, delivering fine red berries from candied to fresh, alongside dark fruit, deep minerality, and salinity. The overall expression is seductive yet restrained, slowly growing in depth and brightness with air. The structure is refined, though not quite as complete as Conseillante or Cheval. Still, this is another brilliant Figeac, elegant and vibrant, and a must-own.
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose was initially muted, but opened up beautifully with air to reveal layers of red and blue fruit, floral tones, herbs, tobacco, and the signature Cheval toast. On the palate, the wine delivers extraordinary perfume, complexity, and balance, with ultra-fine tannins, satin-like texture, and brilliant freshness. Structurally, this was the most complete wine of the tasting, showing enormous substance without weight. Built for decades of ageing — classic Cheval magic.
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is closed, but the palate reveals Canon’s signature minerality and an intense, almost saline expression. The fruit feels riper and less pure than in past vintages, and the structure, while fine, is not as light or airy as the vintage’s best wines. That said, the depth and complexity are clearly there, and the salinity is exceptional, possibly the most intense Canon has ever shown. A good wine, but not quite at the level of recent Canon highs, and Canon missed the mark on the ripeness this time.
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is slightly muted, but the palate offers fine, ripe red fruit, supported by herbs and minerality. The texture is fresh and airy, showcasing the new structural finesse Rauzan has been developing over recent vintages. While the wine is not highly complex today, it is very drinkable and elegant, and with time, tertiary aromas could add the missing depth. A beautiful everyday drinker with real upside.
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is a bit closed, showing dark fruit, herbs, and a touch of brett. On the palate, the wine reveals fine blue fruit and good freshness, but the tannins are slightly coarse and mouth-coating. The structure is not as polished as others, but this is typical for Haut-Bailly in its youth, and it should benefit from time. There is good purity, though the wine will need patience to integrate fully.
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is delicate, pure, and idiosyncratic, showing great aromatic precision and lift. On the palate, the wine is saline, light, and ultra-refined, with a style that is singular and immediately recognizable. Structurally, it is elegant and weightless, though it may not be the wine one reaches for every day. Still, it belongs in every serious cellar — a wine that challenges Bordeaux norms with grace and individuality.
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is initially closed, but opens with air to reveal tobacco, dark fruit, and minerality. The palate is layered and complex, delivering a full spectrum of red, dark, and blue fruit, with classic Pauillac structure and refinement. The tannins are elegant and noble, and the wine is built with clarity and potential. A benchmark Pichon Lalande, full of charm and gravitas.
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: This wine was more expressive from the start, showing the most beautiful red fruit character of all Left Bank wines in the tasting. The palate is fresh, precise, and complex, with a style that is open and accessible, though perhaps slightly less deep than the Pichon Comtesse. Still, this delivers immense drinking pleasure already and is a brilliantly made wine.
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is immediate and opulent, showing layers of sweet fruit, honey, spice, and an unmistakable wave of saffron. On the palate, the wine is rich and concentrated, but remains perfectly balanced thanks to a strong acidic spine that keeps everything in check. The saffron character is abundant and persistent, giving the wine both depth and lift. While already impressive today, this has the substance and energy of a 100+ year wine, and should be spectacular in 30 to 40 years. With so much Sauternes saffron, my rating starts automatically at 95pts. 96pts, with upside.
2022 Château L'Evangile 91 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is expressive, showing ripe dark berries with intensity. On the palate, the fruit is also ripe but not overripe, balanced by fresh red berries, a fine herbal lift, some minerality, and a subtle touch of seductive oak. The tannins are fine and integrated, with no intrusive wood texture, but the wine does not quite reach the precision or definition of the top performers in the tasting. A well-balanced and elegant L’Evangile, though not a standout.
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2022 Château Duhart-Milon 86 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose shows muted fruit and a surprising green streak, which also appears on the palate. There is very little aromatic expression, and what is there leans vegetal. The tannins are fine and unobtrusive, but the wine lacks fruit core and mid-palate energy. Uncharacteristically green for the vintage — this may have been an off bottle.
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2022 Château La Conseillante 96 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is bright, pure, and fresh, bursting with dark red fruit, florals, and minerality. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and precise, showing red and blue berries, a floral lift, and crystalline minerality, all delivered with a satin-like texture and perfect balance. The alcohol is modest at 13.9%, and it shows — this is light, seductive, and refined, yet full of presence. Easily the best Conseillante since 2016. She nailed it.
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2022 Château Clinet 94 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is elegant and lifted, with clean, fresh fruit. On the palate, the wine shows a remarkable shift in style compared to past vintages — this is more precise, less ripe, and beautifully composed. There is a clear red fruit purity, supported by fine structure and freshness. It is already layered and expressive, with ageing potential. Possibly the best Clinet since 1989/1990.
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2022 Château Pavie Macquin 92 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is a bit reserved, while the palate is more open and generous, showing ripe but not overripe fruit, a light and airy texture, and fine, silky tannins. There is some energy and purity, but also a touch of wildness that will need time to settle. Not as polished as some others today, but with clear potential and a good showing overall — especially compared to Pavie in the next glass.
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2022 Château Pavie 90 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is ripe and dark, with sweet fruit and more prominent oak than most others in the tasting. The palate leans toward darker fruit, spice, and wood tannins, with less airiness and elegance than the vintage seems to encourage. While not flawed, the wine lacks harmony and finesse and may not age as gracefully. The depth of terroir is there, but the style still feels stuck in the past.
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2022 Château La Gaffelière 92 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is quiet but composed, showing layered red and dark red fruit with hints of herbs and minerality. On the palate, the fruit is fresh and not overly ripe, offering clarity and lift. The tannins are fine but not as polished as the top wines, leaving some edges that time should resolve. The structure is light and elegant, supported by excellent freshness. A very good wine with upside, especially considering its value proposition.
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2022 Château Figeac 96 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose needed time and swirling to open up. On the palate, the wine shines with incredible purity, delivering fine red berries from candied to fresh, alongside dark fruit, deep minerality, and salinity. The overall expression is seductive yet restrained, slowly growing in depth and brightness with air. The structure is refined, though not quite as complete as Conseillante or Cheval. Still, this is another brilliant Figeac, elegant and vibrant, and a must-own.
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2022 Château Cheval Blanc 97 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose was initially muted, but opened up beautifully with air to reveal layers of red and blue fruit, floral tones, herbs, tobacco, and the signature Cheval toast. On the palate, the wine delivers extraordinary perfume, complexity, and balance, with ultra-fine tannins, satin-like texture, and brilliant freshness. Structurally, this was the most complete wine of the tasting, showing enormous substance without weight. Built for decades of ageing — classic Cheval magic.
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2022 Château Canon 93 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is closed, but the palate reveals Canon’s signature minerality and an intense, almost saline expression. The fruit feels riper and less pure than in past vintages, and the structure, while fine, is not as light or airy as the vintage’s best wines. That said, the depth and complexity are clearly there, and the salinity is exceptional, possibly the most intense Canon has ever shown. A good wine, but not quite at the level of recent Canon highs, and Canon missed the mark on the ripeness this time.
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2022 Château Rauzan-Ségla 93 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is slightly muted, but the palate offers fine, ripe red fruit, supported by herbs and minerality. The texture is fresh and airy, showcasing the new structural finesse Rauzan has been developing over recent vintages. While the wine is not highly complex today, it is very drinkable and elegant, and with time, tertiary aromas could add the missing depth. A beautiful everyday drinker with real upside.
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2022 Château Haut-Bailly 91 Points
France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is a bit closed, showing dark fruit, herbs, and a touch of brett. On the palate, the wine reveals fine blue fruit and good freshness, but the tannins are slightly coarse and mouth-coating. The structure is not as polished as others, but this is typical for Haut-Bailly in its youth, and it should benefit from time. There is good purity, though the wine will need patience to integrate fully.
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2022 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion 94 Points
France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is delicate, pure, and idiosyncratic, showing great aromatic precision and lift. On the palate, the wine is saline, light, and ultra-refined, with a style that is singular and immediately recognizable. Structurally, it is elegant and weightless, though it may not be the wine one reaches for every day. Still, it belongs in every serious cellar — a wine that challenges Bordeaux norms with grace and individuality.
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2022 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 95 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is initially closed, but opens with air to reveal tobacco, dark fruit, and minerality. The palate is layered and complex, delivering a full spectrum of red, dark, and blue fruit, with classic Pauillac structure and refinement. The tannins are elegant and noble, and the wine is built with clarity and potential. A benchmark Pichon Lalande, full of charm and gravitas.
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2022 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron 95 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: This wine was more expressive from the start, showing the most beautiful red fruit character of all Left Bank wines in the tasting. The palate is fresh, precise, and complex, with a style that is open and accessible, though perhaps slightly less deep than the Pichon Comtesse. Still, this delivers immense drinking pleasure already and is a brilliantly made wine.
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2022 Château Suduiraut 96 Points
France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes
Walk-around tasting. A few observations: Given the extreme heat, I expected overripe, heavy wines on both banks, but the wines show remarkable freshness, ripe but never overripe fruit, and a light, airy feel with serious depth. Tannins are pure silk, abundant yet refined, promising long ageing. Right Bank wines are beautifully open right now, while the Left Bank will need time. Pricing aside, the quality is outstanding, and in my book the best vintage since 2016 (which is more classic, though slightly less charming), and ahead of 2018 (much riper, less fresh), 2019 (riper, less purity), and 2020 (less depth). The top wines: Cheval Blanc (97pts) – unmistakably Cheval, with incredible depth, perfect balance, and refinement. La Conseillante (96pts) – complex, seductive, fresh, and beautifully composed. Figeac (96pts) – the most elegant Figeac to date, graceful and poised. Misses? Canon (93pts) – usually the benchmark for Right Bank elegance, but this time the fruit felt a bit overripe. A good wine, but not at Canon’s recent standard. Pavie (89pts) – still stuck in old habits, with too much wood and ripeness, out of sync with the vintage’s potential.
TN: The nose is immediate and opulent, showing layers of sweet fruit, honey, spice, and an unmistakable wave of saffron. On the palate, the wine is rich and concentrated, but remains perfectly balanced thanks to a strong acidic spine that keeps everything in check. The saffron character is abundant and persistent, giving the wine both depth and lift. While already impressive today, this has the substance and energy of a 100+ year wine, and should be spectacular in 30 to 40 years. With so much Sauternes saffron, my rating starts automatically at 95pts. 96pts, with upside.
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