PEDESCLAUX 2022

Bright black cherries, violets, leafy tobacco, and some meaty, iron, and mineral notes all emerge from the 2022 Château Pédesclaux, a beautifully textured, layered Pauillac that has medium to full-bodied richness, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. I think it’s certainly as good as the 2018, 2019, and 2020 and is a classic Pauillac from this team that will benefit from 4-5 years and evolve nicely over the following two decades.

The 2022 Pédesclaux is much earthier than the Lynch-Moussas and does not possess the same brightness and vitality. Blackberry and wild hedgerow, with subtle pencil box scents, come through. The palate is medium-bodied with an easy-going entry, lower acidity, just showing a little flatness and lack of vitality on the finish. This is another bottle that maybe is not representative, so I will not score this. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.

Fascinating aromas of blackberries and blackcurrants with some dried-herb undertones. Medium- to full-bodied, this has a solid core of fruit and a long and flavorful finish. Focused and tannin-driven with a lovely integration and intensity. A blend of 68% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 7% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot. Give this three to four years to soften, but I am impressed with the energy here already. Try after 2028.

Now certified organic, the 2022 Pedésclaux reveals aromas of dark berries, plums and pencil shavings, followed by a medium- to full-bodied, suave and refined palate that’s a touch lean on the finish. As it fills out with élevage, it should come into better balance.