Pauillac

This may be the appellation where, at time of writing, our tastes diverge the most from that of The Wine Advocate. Whilst there were a few we tasted which didn’t hit their usual form, many exceeded or transfigured their usual into something very exciting.

Christian Seely took us through a masterclass on all the wines of Pichon Baron. The Grand Vin was, in our eyes, one of the finest we have tasted at Primeur, with a rare layer of sensuality imbued into this frequently structural wine. If Pichon Baron is usually a castle, then in 2022 the drawbridge was down, the flags at full mast and trumpeters were on the battlements.

Chateau Pédesclaux (and Fleur, their second wine) were wines we found so much affection for. Whether it’s the effusive pride of Director Vincent Bache-Gabrielsen or the joy of the wine itself, we were so happy to put the L&S stamp of complete approval on his range. They were even kind enough to open some 2020s, which were already singing.

Grand-Puy-Lacoste also deserves an extra-special mention. We know that their producing a superb wine isn’t really news in the explicit sense, but my word did they navigate the 2022 vintage well. In the words of Baldric in Blackadder, this could well be their ‘Magic Octopus’.

Pichon Comtesse was gracious and taut – it could well rival the ’82 (a comparison made by the estate) in years to come.

Lynch-Bages made a wonderfully bold, incredibly powerful wine – it lacked nothing for balance and will absolutely delight fans, but patience will be a necessary virtue when approaching it.

To end, Lafite. Seminal isn’t a word I often deploy, but it was. Incisive, tensile, lively, saline – all the words we love to say about wine, but also exceptionally inviting. If you’re lucky enough to get some, guard it well. Carruades too (Lafite’s second wine), was perhaps qualitatively the closest to its bigger brother that we had ever tasted. An exciting progression for the frequently-overshadowed sibling.

Please note that we can source wines in any format if offered by the Château. Just indicate which size you would like in your wishlist order form or email us with a specific request. Bottling charges do apply so please see our Terms for more details.