St Emilion’s 2022; Dense Merlot and Perfumed Cabernet Franc
The 2022 vintage in Saint-Émilion delivered extraordinary concentration without sacrificing freshness, a true Goldilocks vintage. A warm, dry growing season produced small berries, thick skins, and remarkable phenolic ripeness. Crucially, cool nights preserved aromatic lift and natural acidity, giving the wines both density and definition. The result across the appellation is richness framed by structure; wines built to impress now and evolve beautifully.
Leydet-Valentin captured that magic perfectly.
Built on a foundation of ripe, generous Merlot, the wine is deep and layered. The palate is saturated with black cherry, plum compote, and dark chocolate, all wrapped in velvety tannins that feel both abundant and refined. There is real weight here and a sense of volume and breadth that coats the mouth and lingers.
But what elevates this wine from simply powerful to beautiful is the Cabernet Franc. In 2022, Cabernet Franc achieved exceptional ripeness, contributing soaring aromatics of crushed violets, lavender, and fresh rose petal. Beneath the florals lies a vibrant thread of spice, clove, cracked pepper, and subtle graphite that slices through the Merlot’s richness. This interplay creates tension and elegance, lifting the wine and preventing it from ever feeling heavy. It is density with detail. Power with perfume.
The texture is sumptuous yet structured, with fine-grained tannins that promise longevity. The finish is long, savory, a reminder that beneath the sun-kissed fruit lies serious terroir.
This is the kind of Bordeaux that defines a great year: concentrated, aromatic, and built to age.
92 Points, Wine Cellar Insider
Licorice, chocolate, espresso, and red pit fruits are all over the place here. Soft, plush, and polished, the layers of chocolatey fruit in the mid-palate, and finish keep on going. Drink from 2025-2038.