Chateau La Garde 2022

Herb-spiced and expressive, blond tobacco, floral tea, violets, blackberries; on the palate, approachable, charming, crisp, with well-wrapped tannins and well-judged acidity; shows freshness and spice on the finish, ending on dark chocolate. A lot of wine for the money!

The 2022 La Garde wafts from the glass with aromas of dark wild berries, spices, mulberries and licorice mingled with delicate oaky notes. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and layered, it has a fleshy core of fruit framed by a gently assertive tannic frame and a long, mineral and pencil lead-inflected finish.

An evocative nose full of fragrant blue and purple fruits with lots of floral aromatics—some cherry, cola, tobacco, aniseed and violets. Smooth and so succulent, with excellent weight in the mouth, the most uplifting acidity, juicy fruit and signature terroir markers of graphite, stones, pencil lead and oyster-shell minerality. I love this. So finessed yet still packing plenty of flavor and depth. Extremely refined. A wine that has relaxed since En Primeur, becoming soft and just so appealing to drink. Really excellent. First vintage in the new cellars and with consultant Axel Marchal. New label as of this vintage as well.

The floral character of violets and lilacs comes through clearly on the nose, with black fruits such as brambleberries. Medium-bodied, it has fine, creamy tannins and a savory finish. Crushed stone at the end as well as clean fruit. Shows plenty of potential for aging. A blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Drink after 2028.

The 2022 La Garde offers a striking mix of floral aromatics and the savory notes that are so typical here. Elegant and persistent in the glass, the 2022 deftly balances textural intensity with finesse. This is a very attractive La Garde.

Cocoa, flowers, and red fruits pop in your glass with a single swirl. The medium-bodied palate is even better with its fresh, juicy, elegant red fruits, hints of tobacco, spice, and a drop of chocolate on the finish. Drink from 2024–2032.

Creamy blueberry and blackberry fruit on the opening beats, holds the line, adding a kick of spice and a sweet damson purée finish, with well-integrated tannic grip. Good quality, soft through the mid-palate, thoroughly enjoyable, easy to recommend, no need to wait too long, with confidence and finesse. Dourthe has big ambitions for this wine, increasing the amount of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, upping the quantity of press wine to boost structure (to 5%), and reducing grand vin production by around half, down to about 80,000 bottles from 150,000. Blending now takes place before ageing, whereas previously it was at the end of the process. New cellar, new consultant Axel Marchal as of this vintage (blending in 2022, fully for the 2023 vintage).

Elegant, delicate, floral nose with great depth, opaque and impenetrable. On the palate, a full, silky texture with that same floral touch. Simply sublime.

Clay-limestone soils for the Merlots, while the Cabernet Sauvignons are spread over deep gravel and clay-gravel. The bouquet stands out for its subtlety and complexity, with fine spicy nuances complemented by notes of red berries and mint. On the palate, the wine shows a linear, precise character. It has fine breadth and can rely on very fine tannins that confer controlled, measured power, while the structure underscores the saline, refreshing facets. A wine that is becoming ever more accomplished and relevant. A great success!

The nose is elegant and precise, with intensity and a hint of airiness. There are notes of juicy blackberry, fresh pulpy blackcurrant and, more subtly, bright small fruits, combined with a touch of violet, saline gravel, a discreet hint of licorice and an imperceptible note of camphor in the background. The palate is fresh, mineral and balanced, with freshness and tension. It shows smoothness and accuracy, with a tangy framework and notes of juicy, pulpy blackberry, radiant raspberry and, more lightly, pulpy blue fruits, along with fine hints of licorice and a note of vanilla and toast. The tannins are supple and racy. There is a hint of chocolate and a lovely accompanying freshness. Good length.

The freshness is palpable, with gentle bitterness and beautiful natural concentration. The fine, silky tannins provide a lovely finish. The balance between richness and freshness, complemented by a promising evolution, makes it a benchmark for aging. Decant to reveal all its complexity.