With many international critics releasing their new ‘in bottle’ scores for the 2022 Bordeaux vintage, it has become patently clear that this is indeed a very highly lauded vendange worthy of consumer attention. The only caveat was that on the whole, it was certainly not a cheap vintage with many Cru Classe Chateaux pushing the limits with release pricing.
But while the vintage quality was nearly universally high, some producers erred on the side of caution in a slowing market and released their wines at affordable prices. The below two wines from the De Mour stable are two sterling examples of this.
The word was out early that the Bordelais felt they had something special in 2022, long before the world’s wine merchants arrived to make their own assessments at En-primeur. Heatwaves and drought are not usually parents to high-quality wines. However, the wines in barrel confounded merchants’ expectations, with most agreeing that the 2022 vintage was indeed a special one across Bordeaux. Despite the lack of water, the vines did not seem to suffer terribly, remaining in leaf and in good health right up to the harvest. The berries were small and so yields were restricted. All varieties were beautifully ripe, so much so that some properties felt no need to produce any second wines, many opting rather to increase the proportion of press wine in the final blend, such was its quality. Predictably, release prices were very high!
Chateau Haut Breton Larigaudiere 2022, Margaux, 13.5% Abv.
The aromatics on this 2022 show a youthful allure, densely packed with layers of creme de cassis, black cherry and sweet black plum over an already well interwoven wood spice. The palate is sleek and lithe with beautifully polished tannins, a really plush light touch salty black and blueberry fruited concentration, finishing with a delicate acidity and a long, fine vein of graphite minerality. The essence of classic Margaux! Drink from 2026 to 2040+.
(Wine Safari Score: 94/100 Greg Sherwood MW)
Chateau Tour Baladoz 2022, Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classe, 14% Abv.
Dark and opaque in colour, this wine looks immediately deep and inviting, offering up aromatics of caramelised plums, ripe black berry confit, creme de cassis and vanilla pod spice. The palate is plush, accessibly fleshy and opulent with a plump sweet black and blueberry density, invigorating glassy acids, creamy dry tannins and a kiss of brûléed espresso and brown breakfast toast nuances on the finish. An utterly thrilling expression once again. Drink from 2025 to 2040+.
(Wine Safari Score: 94+/100 Greg Sherwood MW)
The De Mour wines are exported direct to merchants from the Chateaux. Contact: anthony_crameri@orange.fr