Bordeaux 2022 Vintage: James Suckling's latest vintage report

During a 10-day stay in Bordeaux in January, renowned American wine critic James Suckling and his team tasted nearly 400 wines, visiting around 50 estates, with the aim of rediscovering the 2022 vintage. So, what's the verdict?

James Suckling, a reference in the world of wine

James Suckling is a world-renowned American wine critic, renowned for his expertise and particularly sharp palate. Former editor-in-chief of the prestigious American magazine Wine Spectator, he built his reputation over almost 30 years of rigorous tastings, trips to the heart of the greatest vineyards and meeting with renowned winemakers.

But that's not all. In 2010, he created his own website, where he publishes tasting notes, reviews and vintage reports on wines from all over the world. Particularly renowned for his 100-point rating system, he is an expert on Bordeaux, Tuscan and Napa Valley wines. James Suckling is a true trendsetter for collectors and connoisseurs of fine wines, and has established himself as an essential reference in the world of wine.

Bordeaux 2022, the latest ratings from the American wine critic

After numerous visits, tastings and interviews around the Bordeaux vineyards, the final verdict is clear: they were impressed by the lively and precise aromas of the wines, especially remarkable for a hot vintage. Indeed, the quest for freshness was essential in 2022, a year reminiscent of the 2003 vintage, with its temperatures exceeding 40°C and its relentless sunshine. While 2003 produced powerful wines, 2022 stands out for its freshness despite relatively low acidity levels.

At the end of these tastings, nine wines were awarded the prestigious 100-point score:

• Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey

• Chateau Lafleur

• Chateau Lafite Rothschild

• Chateau Latour

• Chateau Leoville Las Cases

• Chateau L'Église Clinet

• Chateau Mouton Rothschild

• Chateau Pétrus

• Chateau d'Yquem

These wines display a remarkable harmony, intensity and character. Indeed, all the red and white wines of 2022 rated 95 points or more (around 225 in total) display a genuine authenticity and integrity of character, which was not easy to achieve in such a hot, dry year.

Vintages marked by extreme weather conditions, such as 2022, are nothing new in Bordeaux; historic years such as 1945, 1947, 1949 or 1961 all bear witness to this. Whether the wines of 2022 will achieve similar recognition remains to be seen, but some undeniably have the potential.