showing wonderful definition, density and torque. Château Pontet- Canet was probably not showing its best when I visited the estate, but the concentration, suppleness and fruit power were impressive. Ultimately, Pauillac lies in the heart of cabernet sauvignon country. Saint Julien Château Léoville-Las Cases, which borders the vineyards of neighbouring Château Latour, is a pretender to being a First Growth. Although this will never happen, the market generally thinks very highly of this estate. Under Guillaume Prats, the whole image has been given a massive overhaul. The 2022 vintage has great density and richness, and should develop into something very special. Clos du Marquis, really an estate wine with its own identity, is very good and worth seeking out, as it does benefit from the Léoville-Las Cases stardust. Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is also spectacular, but so is La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou, essentially the estate’s second label, but in a year like this, it punches above its weight. Château Léoville-Poyferré and Château Léoville Barton are brilliant this year. The latter has always been a favourite of the English wine trade because it is reasonably priced, compared to others. This year there is an extra plushness, but the classic fine-grained textures and cedar notes confirm its origins. Château Talbot, Château Branaire-Ducru and, especially, Château Beychevelle are also worth seeking out. Margaux Château Margaux is marvellous, and one of the finest wines of the vintage, while its second label, Pavillon Rouge, is also impressive. Château Palmer and the merlot-dominant Alter Ego de Palmer are also a brilliant duo. Thomas Duroux has really taken this estate to a higher altitude and the Grand Vin flies in the company of the very best Chateaux of the left bank. Unfortunately, demand for it has seen prices escalate, but this doesn’t diminish its wonderful quality this year. For those with more careful pockets, Châteaux Giscours, Cantenac-Brown, Brane-Cantenac, Marquis de Terme and Rauzan-Ségla have performed well and should be on any buying list for those who like this sub region. Château Lascombes also shows promise and, under its new American owner, Gaylon Lawrence,
Bordeaux 2022
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