Château Desmirail 2022

Herb-spiced, expressive, dark cherry fruit, leather; a gripping palate, somewhat assertive, the tannins are pronounced, the fruit sits a bit in the background; has character, needs to age.

Dense and velvety in feel, this lets nearly exotic mulberry, açaí and boysenberry reduction notes unfurl slowly, laced liberally with singed black tea, alder and iris details along the way, plus a late echo of warm earth. Likely burning the candle at both ends, so drink up now for its hedonism. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2034. 7,583 cases made.

Heady and evocative notes on the nose, really perfumed and aromatic fruit and flowers with quite toasted edges of clove, tobacco and cedar. Juicy, clean, fun and friendly — tannins have a powdery texture that coats the mouth just covering the red berry juiciness, though the acidity adds a nice lift and this ends clean and crystalline. There’s lots of concentration and ripeness here, a powerful base driving the wine, but it’s also restrained and graceful, giving so much charm and approachability. I like the soft mintiness throughout and the wet-stone minerality on the finish. Calm and collected. Easy to like.

50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample. Dark crimson. Fragrant, Margaux-like nose, then a slightly pruney/dried-fruit character on the palate with some fairly dry tannins. Not quite juicy enough, but it should soften to give a bit more pleasure. Chunky rather than ethereal at the moment. (JR)

The 2022 Desmirail is a heady, potent Margaux. Copious layers of inky dark fruit and sweet oak tones are front and center. Desmirail is not at all subtle, and yet it is very well balanced in its own way. Time in the glass brings out hints of sage, chocolate, new leather and incense.

Dark fruits, tobacco, cedar, and herbs combine to produce the aromatics. Medium-bodied, fresh, and chewy on the palate, there is a definitive vibrancy to the red berries in the sweet and savory finish. Drink from 2027-2042.

Dark ruby garnet colour, purple reflections, broad ochre rim. Notes of sea buckthorn, some liquorice and candied violets, light nougat. Juicy, ripe red forest berries, round tannins, subtle acidity, chocolaty touch on the finish, well developed, a versatile food wine, good ageing potential. (25/1, +20, PM).

Medium intensity colour, intense and concentrated, grilled sandalwood and cedar, coffee beans and liquorice; this is a little oak-dominant, with swagger and confidence, dark cassis and blackberry fruits, hard to find the light. Denis Lurton owner.

An intensely floral nose of striking beauty: a true explosion of a summer garden, like the heady atmosphere of a flower shop. On the palate, this floral elegance continues, enhanced by enveloping, silky fruit. A wine of radiant femininity.

The élevage is noticeable in Desmirail’s bouquet, yet it is framed by nuances of black berries and sweet spices. The suave attack highlights the wine’s charm and the ripeness of the vintage. The tannins are dense and creamy, supported by a refreshing tension, while delicate bitters ensure the aromatic persistence. A wine that still needs to gain definition and should integrate its élevage during an extended period in the cellar.

Dark, intense color. A highly aromatic nose, more precise than ever, with ripe fruit. A subtle hint of raspberries when swirling the glass. The palate is all delicate sap and flavor, with a slender profile and a noble return of taste on the finish. Very hard to spit out. I have never known this wine to be so expressive.

A blueberry aroma and a creamy texture give this wine a gentle character. It is balanced with tannins that are already integrated. Drink this classed growth wine from 2028.

The 2022 Desmirail confirms my expectations from the en primeur tasting. It reveals a complex, elegant bouquet of flowers, dark wild berries, mulberries and spices, mingled with delicate notes of sweet berries. It is medium to full-bodied, layered and enveloping, with velvety, delicate tannins and a long, ethereal, violet-tinged finish. This blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc is a real success and retains enormous appeal.