2022 Château Puygueraud, Cotes de Francs

Chewy tannins, densely packed black cherry and raspberry, sappy tannins with edges of chalk and slate. This is really rather beautiful, an exceptional vintage of this wine, and should be great value from the Thienpont family. 37.5hl/h yield, 25% oak, and the rest in casks and cement. Stéphane Derenoncourt consultant.

Coming from the Franc region on the Right Bank, the 2022 Château Puygueraud is a beauty as well as a stunning value in the making. Blue fruits, leafy herbs, violets, and a kiss of minerality all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a plush, layered texture and a great finish. It's going to sell for a song yet deliver the goods for at least 7-8 years.

The 2022 Puygueraud is mostly Merlot, with Cabernet Franc in a supporting role. Exhibiting aromas of peony, blueberry, iris and dark berries, it’s medium to full-bodied, supple and enveloping, with a succulent core of fruit, racy acids and a saline finish. It's always a terrific value.

Focused and fresh with crunchy dark and blue fruit, seashells and spicy herbs. Medium-bodied. Firm tannins and a lingering, chalky finish with some saltiness to it. Fine texture. Attractive already.

The 2022 Puygueraud bursts from the glass with masses of inky blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and tobacco. Pretty floral and savory top notes extend the finish nicely. This is an especially rich vintage for Puygueraud. The blend is 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc with the Franc very much evident on the back end.