Château Marquis d'Alesme 2022

Spicy, with depth, ripe blackberries, herb-cured bacon and cool smoke; fruity attack, shows grip, a crisp fruit wrapped in fine tannins, long, delicately spicy finish. Has developed pleasantly with maturation, showing more polish than En Primeur.

Expressive nose full of chocolate, cherries, roses and liquorice. Quite compact and restrained on the palate, the dark blue and black bramble fruit has a nice fleshy, almost plush texture, with stony elements that come across as a bit drying, which overtakes the juicy, lively acidity and makes it a touch sombre right now — especially compared to Labegorce, which has more vibrancy at this point. However, I like the structure and frame. It's well built with plenty of power and will be excellent for ageing. Touches of powdery chocolate, espresso and dried herbs on the finish.

The 2022 Marquis d'Alesme is a heady, voluptuous wine. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, new leather, spice and blood orange all meld together in this succulent, racy Margaux. The 2022 offers tons of immediacy and overall appeal.

Flowers, red pit fruits, mint, black currants, plums, and chocolate aromas burst forth effortlessly. On the palate, the wine is silky, creamy, and fresh. The cherries and plums are sweet, vibrant, and long-lasting. The palate is filled with espresso, spice, mint, and sweet red berries, finishing with a touch of bitter cocoa. The wine blends 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2027-2055.

Intense black-berry bouquet, intoxicating violet perfume, licorice and elderberry jelly. On the trained, complex palate, a silky texture, a tight-knit tannic framework, and a ripe, finely grained extract richness. The focused aromatic finish shows small black berries, graphite, and a finely powdery astringency.

Austerity on the opening beats suggests that this wine has a long life ahead, with real energy, tight tannins, and an electric quality to the dark berry fruits that brings lift and lusciousness. Great job here from Nathalie Perrodo and Marjolaine de Coninck, CEO and technical director.

A delicate, toasty, inviting nose with self-assured poise. On the palate, the texture is soft and caressing, carried by a lovely fullness of fruit.

Delicate and subtle, the bouquet of Marquis d’Alesme reveals nuances of morello cherries along with aromas evoking the warmth of the 2022 vintage, namely some candied notes followed by hints from the élevage. With good density, the wine unfolds in a linear fashion. It is supported by fine-grained, slightly suave tannins that impart vigor and energy. An elegant, inviting and harmonious Marquis d’Alesme. It can certainly be enjoyed in its youth, but its lively, refreshing structure provides solid backing and attests to its aging potential.

The nose is beautifully crafted, elegant, creamy and indulgent, with an airy feel. It reveals notes of creamy blackberry, crushed blackcurrant and, more subtly, roasted-elegant cherry, combined with hints of liquorice, cardamom, a touch of infusion and cubeb pepper. The palate is elegant, juicy, fresh, mineral, creamy, airy and balanced, with a tangy backbone. It shows notes of creamy blackcurrant, bright blackberry and, more delicately, roasted-elegant raspberry, joined by hints of graphene, crushed strawberry, as well as toasty, mocha notes and a touch of roast and vanilla. Good length. Nicely fresh and mineral. A delicate, elegant wine with a fine floral and iodized hint on the finish.