to cover as many bases as possible. Meanwhile, the Bordeaux negoçiants and the Union des Grand Crus and other regional associations provide access to the majority of wines being sold through La Place de Bordeaux. Although I do taste a few wines blind, the overwhelming majority is assessed with the knowledge of the producer’s identity. Although this can lead to unconscious or even conscious bias, there is a truth that the best wines are made by the wealthiest and best resourced Châteaux. These are inevitably the First Growth Châteaux or equivalent. Their reputations are often richly deserved, although for us mere mortals, they are almost out of reach. Nonetheless, the 2022 Primeurs promise to offer collectors and wine drinkers a spectacular array of high-quality vintages that will be accessible at more modest prices. There are many outstanding petit chateaux and second-label wines, as well. Although there are predictions that the Châteaux will raise their prices a bit, there are some great wines to hunt down. Saint-Estèphe Although Saint-Estèphe, the most northerly sub region of the Médoc, experienced hail during June, and the dramas of a hot dry growing season, there are many great wines in the making. Château Cos d’Estournel and Château Montrose have made lovely wines but Château Calon-Ségur and neighbouring Château Phélan Ségur are especially worth seeking out. Château Tronquoy, previously known as Château Tronquoy-Lalande, is very modern and buoyant. Second labels La Dame de Montrose and Pagodes de Cos are very good and promise a wonderful cellaring future. Pauillac Château Latour has made an exceptional vintage, but the 2022 will not be released for many years, but for those people under 50, it will be an estate to seek out in the future. In the meantime, Château Mouton Rothschild and Château Lafite Rothschild are in brilliant form. But for those seeking value, the go-to wines are Château Batailley, Château Duhart- Milon, Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Château Lynch-Bages, Château Clerc Milon, Château d’Armailhac, Château Pichon Baron and Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. These are all beautiful wines
The Vintage Journal – International Series
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