The Somewhat More Affordable 2022 Bordeaux Wines

The 2022 Bordeaux wine release has a more diverse pricing structure than we may have seen in other years. If you have ever thought of taking the plunge into the world of Bordeaux wines then this year might be the right time. Not only are the wines all quite good this year, many are very drinkable now. Bordeaux wines are also good for many years to come so they make a good investment.

Peraps this is the year you choose a few for yourself and a few for gift giving. If you budget runs up to $100. there are numerous options with this release. If your budget can handle $35.00 to $60.00 then there are some options for you also.

Here are some extra wines that were available for a quick tasting following the official media tasting on September 10th. Also if you missed my roundup and review of September 10th you can read it here.

No reviews for the following wines, they were just made available  to quickly taste in the short time we had. Each one was very good and I would not hesitate to recommend them.

MOULIS – CHATEAU POUJEAUX 2022

“More charming and less austere primeur tastings, the 2022 Pouj than during the en primeur 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+ pts, Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate
332927 $75.00

Madame de Beaucaillou, Haut‑Médoc

“Grippy and firm in the mouth, tannins take hold with blackcurrant, fragrant plums, liquorice spice, tobacco and stone element. It has a flash of heat at first but then settles with a cooling touch on the finish. High acidity meets plenty of brooding spice and bitterness to give plenty of flavour with lingering bite. Unfussy but this has personality.”
90 pts, Georgina Hindle, Decanter
332850 $55

Château de Francs Les Cerisiers, Francs Côtes de Bordeaux

“Dark ruby, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Red berry nuances, subtle leafy spiciness and a hint of cloves. Medium complexity, freshly structured, wild red berries on the finish and fine toasted aromas on the aftertaste.”
90 pts, Peter Moser, Falstaff
332922 $35.00

Cap de Faugères, Bordeaux

“The 2022 Cap de Faugères has a sprightly, quite opulent bouquet with black cherries, blueberry and violet scents,
cohering nicely in the glass with its well-integrated oak.The palate is medium-bodied and lightly spiced with sapid black fruit, fine delineation and a lovely saline finish. This is recommended.”
92 pts, Neal Martin, Vinous
272693 $40.00

Although not reviewed I did note that this one was “ripe”. That’s a hint to myself to buy this one.

La Dame de Montrose, St‑Estèphe

“Floral and dark chocolate scents with black berries. Beautifully textured, with grippy tannins, pure fruit and high acidity. Plush, just-chewy blackcurrants and cherries, dark chocolate, liquorice and salty stones. Lifted, minty menthol finish. Balanced, harmonious and confident, nothing overdone. A clear upgrade from en primeur and a standout second wine.”
94 pts, Georgina Hindle, Decanter
273196 $100.00

Château Haut Bergey, Pessac‑Léognan

“The 2022 Haut Bergey offers up aromas of cassis, mulberries, flowers and iris mingled with delicate notes of cassis. Medium to full-bodied, round and juicy, it’s well-balanced and framed by velvety tannins, culminating in a long, fresh and ethereal finish. This is a straightforward Pessac‑Léognan, elegantly crafted.”
91 pts, Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate
332836 $60.00

Although a bit skunky on the nose, this one was still a yes.

Château Lynch-Moussas, Pauillac

“Quite a heady nose, one of the more opulent in terms of fragrance and sun-kissed fruit. The palate is concentrated and rich in terms of fleshy fruit but has such a wonderful cushion of acidity that lifts the frame and keeps the energy. I love the fine, salty tannins with both mint, clove and liquorice elements. It’s not so open right now – maintains quite a streamlined frame, but the individual elements are really well presented with power and poise. Ends with plum, blackcurrant, black
pepper and tobacco touches.”
95 pts, Georgina Hindle, Decanter
272664 $95

This wine has heavy tannins.

Clos Floridène, Graves

“Cooling mint and blue fruits on the nose. This has an almost thick glossy texture, rich and concentrated. The fruit is clearly ripe and there’s a touch of heat spice on the mid palate giving some strictness but there’s a nice fleshy, almost chewy texture with sticky liquorice, clove and minty spice. It’s not as calm as some but there’s fruit purity and lots of underlying power.”
90 pts, Georgina Hindle, Decanter
332724 $55

Château Sociando-Mallet, Haut‑Médoc

“Sweet and lifted aromas of blackcurrants and red cherries on the nose. Firm and fluid, this is packed full of energy and verve with a gorgeous texture of crushed stones and powdery liquorice. Juicy and vibrant but also concentrated and streamlined. …An excellent wine that really delivers on the charm front. Give it a few years to soften more. Classy.”
94 pts, Georgina Hindle, Decanter
272677 $95.00