Château Ripeau 2022

I underestimated this wine en primeur; expressive, with herbs, red currant, floral notes, damp stone; dense palate, juicy, still a bit wild, noticeable tannins, gripping acidity, immensely spicy, Cabernet Franc says hello; fresh, red-fruited finish on sour cherries.

The 2022 Ripeau is dark and quite potent in its first impression, but also angular. It’s hard to get past the searing edges here.

Flowers, black plums, black cherries, chocolate, licorice, incense and fresh ground espresso beans create the nose. But it is on the palate, with its layers of opulently textured, lush, ripe, dark pit fruits, chocolate, and plums, where the wine really takes off. The creamy, plush finish keeps on going, with length, freshness and layers of ripe, chocolatey fruits. The wine blends 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2025-2045. 93-95 pts.

Rocking levels of ripe black and blue fruits, spring flowers, violets, and blood orange all emerge from the 2022 Château Ripeau, a blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, aged all in new barrels. It's deep purple-hued and has medium to full-bodied richness, a round, layered mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and sweet tannins. A gorgeous effort, it already offers pleasure but will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades.

The Grégoire family is quietly producing increasingly impressive wines at Ripeau, and this is a truly excellent vintage, with silky, supple tannins, soft campfire notes, red liquorice, smoked caramel, blackberry and damson fruit—just extremely classy and balanced, ripe but measured. Clear ageing potential. I'm always reluctant to use the term “best ever,” but this is surely right up there. Harvest from September 12 to 23, 31 hl/ha yield. Claude Gros, oenologist.