Berliquet 2022

The 2022 Berliquet is brilliant, bursting with aromas of plums, wild berries and lilac, followed by a medium to full-bodied, concentrated and vibrant palate that's deep and mineral. It's likely to be another of the vintage's more attractive en primeur proportions. This estate just goes from strength to strength—and that's before its new winery has been constructed! One of the most significant changes has been opting to retain higher canopies, which means that the fruiting zone of rows planted along the slope are now shaded, preserving freshness.

The 2022 Berliquet was picked from 29 August to 14 September and matured in 44% new oak. The wood is a little more prominent on the nose than the Canon, with black cherries, bilberry and light oyster shell scents. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent tannins. This is a juicy Berliquet that probably belies the structure underneath. There's more red fruit toward the finish, with a touch of pepper on the aftertaste. 2030-2055

Berliquet has stepped up in recent vintages under Chanel's ownership and the 2022 is one of the best to date. Supple, sweet cherry fruit, a little dried strawberry, vanilla bean and pastry crust come through on the nose. The palate is pure silk, this will offer superb drinking pleasure in its youth. Smooth, ripe tannins allow the glistening red fruit at the core to shine through. There is a little graphite to go with the notes of cherry pie, keeping everything in check and adding a brightness to the wine. Fine acidity moves the fruit into floral overtones, giving an aromatic, lingering finish. A great wine for those looking for something that packs a punch with an open drinking window for the mid-term.

Lots of dark and crushed stones with blackberries and black olives. Dark earth. Full-bodied and more concentrated with very intense fruit and chewy tannins. Velvety and slightly rough, but all there.

The 2022 Berliquet, 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc with a yield of 45 hl/ha, is aging in 44% new oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple in color, it flies out of the glass with notes of lilacs, red roses, and Sichuan pepper, leading to a core of redcurrant jelly, black raspberries, and wild blueberries plus a waft of truffles. The full-bodied palate is rich and opulent, with loads of bright red berry sparks and a lively backbone, finishing on a lingering mineral note. pH 3.55.

Dark damson colour, beautiful sense of upliflt and freshness, with mint leaf, sage, wild rosemary, cassis fruits. Slate texture to the wine here, feels carved out and crafted, with edges of austerity that constrict the cassis and raspberry fruit. 44% new oak, 8 amphoras (around 10% of overall), the rest in one year old barrel, 45hl/h yield. Great stuff.

A sister property to Canon in St-Émilion since 2007. Only one-third on the limestone plateau. 65% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 16 months ‘in quarries’ and 44% new barrels and eight amphoras. Cask sample.
Very deep crimson. Rich, sweet and burly compared with the Canon but still with purity. Such polish! Clean and fresh. Sleekissimo.
Drink 2030– 2045

65% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample.
Poised and elegant on the nose. Red fruit to the fore. Palate juicy but refined. Tannins finely honed. Length and persistence on the finish. Continues its upward curve. (JL) 14.5%
Drink 2028– 2040