Bordeaux 2022 Vintage En Primeur
We’re one week back from Bordeaux where we were duly discovering the much-discussed and enthused-about 2022s. Where now one thing is crystal clear: here is an exceptional vintage, with a power, concentration and amplitude rarely matched in the past, firm structures and, perhaps inexplicably given the weather patterns of the vintage, with a freshness and juicy acidities across the region that bring excellent balance.
Inexplicably? Perhaps not quite. There are a few theories which, combined, may shed some light upon this happy mystery. The precipitations in 2021 for one, keeping the water tables high at the beginning of the vintage and helping the vines, especially deep-rooted old vines, find access to water throughout the season. Diurnal temperature difference is another, with 2022 nights much cooler than, say, 2003, and dewy mornings helping retain healthy acidity levels. Finally, the 5 months’ uninterrupted sunny, dry weather is thought to have allowed the plants to quickly adapt to the conditions, as opposed to the 8 weeks of baking heat experienced in, again, 2003.
There is sure to be myriad further explanations, one for each specific terroir in fact, but ultimately the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and there is no denying the fabulous quality of this 2022 vintage when confronted with the carefully prepared samples of the Great and the Good of the Union des Grands Crus members. We have more snippets of information and detail on each commune’s style further on in this document but for now let us be clear: 2022 is sure to be a must-have vintage in any serious collection, wines that will deliver amazing drinking pleasure relatively early and for many decades to come, like hallowed historic vintages such as 1982 for example.
Structured, concentrated and intense, with seductive textures and ripe yet lifted flavours, and a lovely freshness to round up the full package. You won’t want to miss these!
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