Generally, the whites were picked early and before the extra heat in late August and early September. This may explain why there are so many very good Bordeaux Blanc. Château Haut-Brion Blanc and Château La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc are exemplars of the modern styles, but value can be found elsewhere. Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, Cos d’Estournel Blanc and Pavillon Blanc are standouts. But Bordeaux Blanc is a minor category in Australia, because better value can be had from elsewhere. But for dyed-in-the-wool fanatics, these wines offer classicism and refreshing minerality. Sauternes-Barsac Vignerons in the Sauternes-Barsac region were sorely put to the test during the 2022 growing season. Although the grapes had ripened evenly and well by August, drought conditions continued to prevail. The lack of humidity hindered the development of botrytis cinerea and caused great concern, but by the end of September, the rains finally arrived, and the spread of noble rot over the next few weeks ensured a very good year. Unfortunately, because of time constraints, I didn’t get down to the region to taste d’Yquem (no longer released en primeurs ) or Château Climens, but I understand that both are very good. I was particularly impressed by Château Coutet, Château Doisy Daëne, Château de Fargues, Château Suduiraut and Château La Tour Blanche. Château Guiraud is less heavy than in the past and, as a consequence, has more freshness and animation. Château Lafaurie Peyraguey is slightly on the heavier side, but I suspect that prices will be recalibrated this year for reasons that will become obvious (to those who follow relationships between some critics and producers).
Bordeaux 2022
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