James Suckling on 2022

This is the 40^th year I have tasted barrel samples in Bordeaux, but I have never come across anything like the 2022 vintage.

It was one of the hottest and driest growing seasons in the history of France’s most famous wine region, yet it produced thousands of opulent and structured but still fresh and balanced wines.

For me personally, it sets a new benchmark for Bordeaux after my first reference vintage for the region from barrel, 1982. The 2022 shows that the vineyards of the region are resilient and adaptive enough to counterbalance the obvious effects of climate change.

It’s fascinating to think that even a decade ago Bordeaux producers were still searching for bold ripeness, but today they are doing the complete opposite because of the growing heat and dryness.

Some winemakers say that one of the key factors in 2022 was the extensive rain in June and two days of showers in August.

Indeed, it appears that most people making wine in Bordeaux in 2022 didn’t make anything close to the 2003. Their 2022 wines can be flamboyant, fruity and tannic, yet they have a freshness and form that give them energy and vitality.

In all, I rated more than 1,100 wines with Associate Editor Andrii Stetsiuk. It was a massive tasting over three weeks.

I have to admit that it was demanding, but it was a joyous and fascinating experience to taste so many special wines. And there was high quality from top to bottom.

The 2022 is not the same as 1982, but its wines share some of the attractive youthful character, even though strong tannins are hidden under the fruit.

It’s the same old story with pricing of en primeur: the market will decide.

The quality of the wines in 2022, however, is exceptional.

Excerpts from the article "Bordeaux En Primeur Report: ‘Astonishing’ 2022 Sets a New Benchmark" published 19th April 2023 on www.JamesSuckling.com

Click here to read the full article.