Bordeaux's 2022 vintage, a resounding triumph

The Bordeaux 2022 vintage continues to garner admiration from critics and wine producers alike, marking it as a standout year for the region's viticulture. But the question looms, is the quality uniform across the board? As we dive deep into the exquisite wines of the Right Bank, the answer becomes pleasantly clear. The wines from this region are noted for their unparalleled hedonistic pleasure, making the 2022 vintage a season of equitably shared high-quality yields.

The right bank: a symphony of flavor

In both Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, the wines of the Right Bank have exhibited an extraordinary range of desirable characteristics. Whether from estates dominated by Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot, each bottle seems to invite the taste buds on a journey of delight. Contrary to initial apprehensions about unpalatably high alcohol levels, the wines generally register at a comfortable 14.5 percent, which is often offset by the compelling intensity of the fruit and their revitalizing freshness.

Saint-Émilion: a hymn of elegance and structure

In Saint-Émilion, those estates with high proportions of Cabernet Franc were notably successful, and the same goes for those incorporating a considerable quantity of Cabernet Sauvignon. With such a fine selection, ranking the wines becomes a challenge. Notable mentions include the regal Château Ausone, the serious yet structure-demanding Cheval Blanc, and the wonderfully harmonious Château Figeac.

The second echelon of wines, which were close contenders in quality, consisted of Château Angelus, Château Pavie, and Château Belair-Monange, the latter a Merlot-dominated wine that made a spectacular impression. Château Trotte Vieille, with its exceptional depth and intensity, rounded off the top tier selection.

Further commendable mentions go to Château Beau-Sejour Becot, Château Canon La Gaffelière, Château Valandraud, Château La Dominique, and L'If, all of which showcased exceptional quality and depth.

Pomerol: a tapestry of refinement and finesse

Moving to Pomerol, the two standout wines were Le Pin, a captivating selection with exotic oak spices complementing its superbly ripe dark fruit, and Vieux Chateau Certan, a wonderfully refined and elegant offering. The former narrowly takes the crown for wine of the vintage.

Not far behind were Château La Fleur-Petrus, Château Trotanoy, and Château L'Evangile, which presented an array of delicious tastes, from hedonistic elegance to decadent fruitiness. A note of appreciation must also go to Château Gazin and Château Petit Village, both of which surpassed their traditionally high-quality offerings.

Other praiseworthy names included Châteaux Clinet, Nenin, and Hosanna, each demonstrating their own distinct, delightful characteristics. Four other estates—Château Certan de May, Château Le Gay, Château Vray Croix de Gay, and Château La Croix du Gay—reliably produced opulent wines bursting with rich dark fruit, but managed to elevate their 2022 offerings with varying degrees of very fine structure.

Further commendations go to Château La Pointe and Château Bourgneuf, both of which produced exceptional wines in 2022, and several others including Blason de L'Evangile, Château Plince, Château du Domaine de l'Eglise, and Château Maillet, which stood out in their own unique ways.

A vintage not to be overlooked

The Saint-Émilion and Pomerol wines of 2022 have shown a propensity for ripeness and openness. And while words like "opulent," "hedonistic," "rich," "ripe," and "supple" may seem overused, they encapsulate the essence of these wines. If concerns arise about these wines being overly alcoholic with a short lifespan, a closer look will reveal that these fears are unwarranted.

With fine tannins, refreshing zest, and plentiful alcohol - most at a comfortable 14-14.5 percent - these wines should not be overlooked. Indeed, they may not possess the longevity of some of their Left Bank counterparts, specifically those from Pauillac. Still, unless these wines are being procured for future generations, their ageability should not be a deterrent for any wine enthusiast looking to experience the splendor of Bordeaux's 2022 vintage.