Château Berliquet, Grand Cru Classé, St Emilion, 2022
Under the management of Nicolas Audebert and Thomas Duclos, this direct neighbour of Canon and Beausejour is improving at pace. Formed of three shelved parcels: pure limestone soil at the top, deep clay in the middle and mostly eroded clay-limestone sand at the bottom; one feels the density of the clay in the mid-palate. This is a broad wine full of ferrous, earthy notes and dried fruits framed by more structured tannins. There's lots of potential here, but for us it lacked the lift and energy of the magnificent Canon. 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc.
critic reviews
The 2022 Berliquet has a composed bouquet, a melange of red and black fruit, cedar and briar, gently unfolding. Real class. The palate is framed by silky-smooth tannins, fresh and vibrant, closing down a little towards the finish but retaining focus and delineation. There is a precision here that will see it through and eventually become a very classy Saint-Émilion '22. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.
This is a blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc, and the élevage was in 44% new oak and the remainder in older oak and eight amphorae. A rather dark and perfumed nose to this 2022 St Emilion, opening out with a little time to reveal perfumed red cherry and currant, a touch of pomegranate, with a sandalwood and tobacco overlay, with crushed chalk and white flowers. The palate shows a lovely coherence, with a finely poised and delineated core of fruit, opening out to reveal a soft, broad and powdery texture, the sweetness of the perfumed fruit infused with this hearty tannic structure. An interpretation of the vintage with a robust build, which only seems to be emphasised by tasting it next to the supremely elegant Canon, both properties being in the hands of Chanel. This one will demand some cellar time. Tasted three times. The alcohol on the label is 14.5%.
A small 7.5ha vineyard with limestone cellars underneath, on plateau overlooking the valley below. Investment from owners Chanel over last few years is beginning to make its presence felt. This is really tasty, love the sense of lift and chalkiness to the structure that gives a cushion to the fruit, a great quality Berliquet, delivers on En Primeur promise. 44% new oak barrels, 8 amphoras, the rest in one year old barrel, 45hl/h yield. In organic conversion.
The 2022 Berliquet is brilliant, bursting with aromas of plums, wild berries and lilac, followed by a medium to full-bodied, concentrated and vibrant palate that's deep and mineral. It's likely to be another of the vintage's more attractive en primeur proportions. This estate just goes from strength to strengthand that's before its new winery has been constructed! One of the most significant changes has been opting to retain higher canopies, which means that the fruiting zone of rows planted along the slope are now shaded, preserving freshness.