2022 Chateau Cote de Baleau Saint-Emilion Grand Cru [JD94][V92-94][D93][JS93]

Producer: Chateau Cote de Baleau 
Region: Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France  
Blend: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc 
Year: 2022 

Jeb Dunnuck, 94 Points 

"Made from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc aged 25% new oak, the 2022 Château Cote De Baleau has a deep ruby/purple hue as well as a brilliant nose of smoky red and black fruits, spring flowers, graphite, and crushed stone." 

Vinous, 92-94 Points 

"The 2022 Côte de Baleau has a well-defined bouquet with black cherries, bilberry and floral scents, quite complex and focused. The oak is nicely integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with more pliant tannins than many of its peers, lending it a rounded texture, beautifully balanced with a minerally finish. This represents a big step up from the 2021." 

Decanter, 93 Points

"Super perfumed on the nose. Sharp, just shy of sour blackcurrant and black cherry on the nose and palate, vibrant. Lovely crushed stone and powdery texture to the tannins - they're prominent giving some tightness on the mid palate with a liquorice and dark chocolate edge to the frame towards the finish. Serious but well worked, lean but detailed, just a bit tense right now though does feel sculpted with a cool minty freshness on the finish. Tasted twice and kept the higher score." 

James Suckling, 93 Points 

"Very elegant with blackberries, black olives, spice and a hint of cedar on both the nose and palate. It's medium-bodied with well-integrated tannins that provide both length and beauty. Hard not to drink now. A blend 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc." 

Alcohol: 14.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.