Château Haut-Bergey 2022

Open, ripe-fruited, with a warm impression, herb-spiced aromas over stewed plums; ripe fruit also on the palate, firm, slightly harsh tannins, feels a bit constructed, with a medium-length finish.

The 2022 Haut Bergey offers up aromas of cassis, mulberries, flowers and iris mingled with delicate notes of cassis. Medium to full-bodied, round and juicy, it's well-balanced and framed by velvety tannins, culminating in a long, fresh and ethereal finish. This is a straightforward Pessac-Léognan, elegantly crafted.

A direct version, with lightly steeped red and black cherry notes laced with tobacco, tar and roasted cedar. There's a touch of grain on the finish, but with enough fruit for a solid drink in the near term. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2031. 2,500 cases made, 175 cases imported.

Sweet spices, roses, liquorice and blackcurrants on the nose. Chalky and full on the palate, a good dose of crisp red berry juiciness on the mid palate – something sweet and sour about the fruit which gives this real zing. Pure and charming, it has good energy and focus from start to finish with some cool blue fruit and wet stone accents that leave a powdery texture on the tongue. Quite massy still, fully framed, but will be ready to drink soon. Characterful.

The 2022 Haut-Bergey has a light, earthy bouquet with brambly black fruit mixed with cedar and loamy scents. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, greenness on the mid-palate and some attenuation toward the finish.

Smoke, flowers, cherries, espresso, and tobacco initially get your attention. The wine is soft, creamy, fresh and polished. There is sweetness to the berries with notes of chocolate, and espresso accompanying the fruits in the finish. Drink from 2026-2040. 91-93 Pts.

I loved the 2022 Château Haut-Bergey both times I was able to taste it. It's a very pure, medium-bodied, elegant Pessac-Léognan based on 45% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Petit Verdot. Black cherries, plums, spicy wood, and flowery incense notes all shine here, and it has fine tannins, a layered mouthfeel, and outstanding length. It's a hidden gem in this brilliant vintage that will evolve gracefully over the coming 15-20 years.

Successful, pretty, understated, takes its time to open, studded with black pepper and cloves, with attractive sage notes. There is fruit here too, although it dips a little through the mid-palate. An attractive wine, tasted twice. Organic and biodynamic, gravel, sand, clay soils, 40ha estate.

On the nose, generous fruit and a meaty touch. The palate is opulent and open, with red and black fruit.

A delicate yet precise opening, highlighted by a subtle hint of licorice. The mid-palate reveals fine, silky tannins, with a lovely, gently drying texture. Spicy notes round off a harmonious tasting. A wine that perfectly captures the expression of a temperate climate.

90-92 Barrel sample. The wine is juicy and full of black fruits. The wood aging is just beginning to kick in: its spice adding to the firm layer of tannins and black-currant flavors.