L’If, Pichon, Gloria, Haut-Bages Liberal, Palmer, Rauzan, Gaffeliere, de Pez
This week has seen many key releases from the great Bordeaux vintage that is 2022. Pichon-Lalande is a monumental wine of extraordinary depth and range, easily a match for its first growth neighbours. Rauzan-Segla is one of the small handful of estates setting the bar for quality in Margaux. Palmer is ‘one of the most powerful wines this estate has ever produced’ (William Kelley).
Gloria ‘has got to be the best-value big name in St-Julien’ (Jane Anson). Haut-Bages Liberal is a triumph for Claire Villars, ‘one of the most exciting winemakers in Bordeaux’ (Jane Anson again). Pichon Comtesse Reserve offers a real insight into the character of the grand vin at a fraction of the price. Also under the guiding hand of Nicolas Glumineau at Pichon, I was seriously impressed by the quality on show at de Pez.
Just as at Haut-Bages Liberal, the vineyards at La Gaffeliere are a cover crop riot of grasses and flowers. Clos La Gaffelière was previously the second wine here, but now it is a standalone property with vineyards all its own. We’ve been keen followers of Jacques Thienpont’s L'If since the beginning. The growing maturity of the vines which Cyrille Thienpont and his team have planted over the years are bringing further depth to the wine. ‘This is the precision we’ve been looking for for the last 10 years,’ says Jacques. ‘I think it’s the best one we’ve ever made’. We think so too. /NT
Offered subject to remaining unsold; for shipment Spring 2025
