Château Monbousquet 2022

Ripe-fruited bouquet, stewed plums, compote, ripe blackberries, herbs, cream; compact on the palate, very powerful, builds intensity, becomes opulent, ripe fruit, full-bodied, with fine tannins and a long finish. An opulent wine that still shows finesse. Can age.

This drips with boysenberry, mulberry and blackberry confiture notes that just won't quit, spilling out in all directions as singed apple wood, violet and licorice snap attempt to keep everything reined in. The seductive, velvety mouthfeel and a rather luxurious display of toast play their part as well. For those who enjoy the power style. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2027 through 2042.

Lovely fragrance of blackcurrant leaf, menthol, spiced cinnamon, and blue cherries with toasted spice. Supple and bright with an immediate kick of energy and acidity. Fine-grained tannins create a sleek, lattice-like structure. Cool blue fruits, liquorice, and cola keep it fresh, with strawberry acidity and powdery tannins on the finish. Not overly complex but well made – powerful, a bit tight and serious, yet easy to enjoy.

Intense blackberry and blueberry aromas. Perfumed. Full-bodied and layered with soft, silky tannins and pretty fruit, with just a hint of coffee on the finish. Chocolate, meat and berries at the end as well. Really attractive now but will age beautifully. Fruit-forward style. Better after 2028.

The 2022 Monbousquet offers black fruit, graphite and light tertiary scents on the nose, well defined, but it feels as if it might be closing down. There is some sur-maturité that becomes evident. The palate is smooth on the entry, a little sleeker than its peers, with black pepper and bay leaf tincturing the black fruit. Maybe it misses a little grip on the finish, but I appreciate the length. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.

From the get-go, this opulent gem pops from the glass with layers of smoky, black, and red fruits. The creamy finish hits all the right notes on the way in and on the way out. 2022 marks the 30th vintage of Monbousquet under the ownership of the Perse family. The wine blends 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2025-2042.

Dark ruby colour, opaque core, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Ripe black cherry fruit, subtle nougat, candied orange zest, inviting bouquet. Complex, sweet fruit of ripe figs, velvety, supporting tannins, elegant and accessible, a great food wine with salty finish. Good ageing potential.

The 2022 Château Monbousquet is blockbuster stuff. It might not be for the classic traditionalists out there, but it's a “wow” wine for sure. Darker currants, chocolate, tobacco, crushed stone, and graphite define the aromatics, and it's full-bodied, with a deep, layered, opulent mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish. It's a blockbuster yet seamless, layered, flawlessly balanced Monbousquet that, in my opinion, rivals any vintage of this cuvée ever produced. Drink bottles over the coming two decades.

Black cherry, fennel, bitter dark chocolate, cedar and graphite. Harvest from September 15 to 27, about one week earlier than usual, 30 hl/ha yield. In the spirit of Monbousquet, it has an opulence to it. 50% new oak for ageing.

A savory, spicy nose evoking the comforting warmth of a pot-au-feu precedes a palate of opulent purple fruits, elevated by very elegant oak. But it’s the fruit that truly commands attention: a compote of blackberries and dewberries lifted by star anise, with hints of spiced plum and smoked duck breast.

Monbousquet’s bouquet immediately shows an inviting, harmonious character, combining depth, freshness and élevage. The attack follows suit. The wine is carried by smooth, fine-grained tannins that go hand in hand with its structure. A delicious, gourmand and perfectly balanced Monbousquet; that’s how I could conclude. But that would be without accounting for the energy this wine brims with, revealed later by a delicate salinity and a tension that has its back. A great success to enjoy both young and with some age, and above all, by taking one’s time.