The 2022 Bourgneuf has turned out well in bottle, offering up a rich, lavish bouquet of dark berries, berry preserve, licorice and black truffle. Medium to full-bodied, dense and layered, it's textural and enveloping, with good energy and plenty of sweet, powdery tannins. As readers will remember, this estate boasts nine hectares of holdings situated below Trotanoy, characterized by clay-rich gravels.
James Suckling (94)
A purity of blackberry and blueberry fruit with flowers too. Medium- to full-bodied, this has soft and velvety tannins and a succulent finish. Fruit-forward yet the framed tannins give it tension. 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc.
Vinous (94)
The 2022 Bourgneuf is a potent, ample wine, just as it was en primeur. Dark fruit, lavender, menthol, cloves, licorice and espresso stain the palate. Bold and quite extravagant, the 2022 is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This is particularly dense, but that is 2022. Bourgneuf continues to move in the right direction. The 2022 is a fine effort from the Vayron family. Tasted two times.
Jeb Dunnuck (94)
Coming from the southern edge of the appellation, not far from Cheval Blanc and Figeac in Saint-Emilion, the 2022 Château Bourgneuf is deep ruby/plum-hued and has a ripe, powerful style in its darker currants, chocolaty oak, and spice-driven aromas and flavors. A big, rich, layered Pomerol that fills the mouth with fruit, it has terrific overall balance, a lush, opulent style, sweet tannins, and a great finish. It will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and will see its 20th birthday in fine form. It's a beautiful, rich, fruit-loaded beauty based on 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc.
Winespectator (93)
Alluring dark plum and warmed blackberry puree flavors cruise through, inlaid with dried anise, iris and warm earth accents. There's a flicker of smoldering savory on the finish. Stylish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Jancis Robinson (16)
85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample.
Deep crimson hue. Red-fruit fragrance. Rich and generous on the palate, the tannins ripe and smooth. Finishes chewy and dry, the oak not yet fully integrated. (JL)
Decanter (94)
Ripe dark fruit with a dusting of tobacco and cocoa powder on the nose. Strong and wide in the mouth, this has plenty of kick and power underpinned by a cool menthol element as well as spiced cedar, liquorice and aniseed. It's a little potent at this stage with some heat on the finish. Intense but well built, this will need a few years to soften.
