Château Meyney, St Estèphe, 2022
The giant slaying Chateau Meyney makes a habit of humbling the great names of St Estephe. We managed to taste a sample at Langoa Barton and were impressed by the scale and ambition of the 2022. Dark and sultry, with a large-scale core of griotte and hedgerow fruits with notes of graphite, black tea and Asian spices; this is an expressive, generous Meyney. Although dark fruited, this feels bright and energetic with a solid framework of tannins. It will require a bit of time in bottle, but should reward patience.
critic reviews
The 2022 from Meyney is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and 13% Petit Verdot, and aromatically it is a dream, with dark and focused fruits to the fore, blackberry and currant wrapped up in a powdery ribbon and fine oak and mineral freshness. This feels very coherent, and the palate follows the lead of the nose, with seductive layers of black fruits, with little toasted and saline elements, over a frame of beautifully melded tannins which give the palate a dark, coherent, cohesive sense of promise. A great vintage for Meyney, easily a challenger for the cru classé wines of the appellation in this vintage. A safe bet for the cellar, this. The alcohol on the label is 14%.
Well balanced ripe red fruits, creamy without being overly exuberant, tomato leaf and rosebud interwoven with damson and red cherry fruits, good stuff, one to share.
The 2022 Meyney has an intense, finely delineated bouquet with blackberry, bilberry, loam and light briny scents that unfold with confidence. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and vibrant, with firm tannins. It is not dissimilar to the Lilian Ladouys in style, though there is a touch more finesse and pepperiness on the finish. It has good potential, but needs time.
Opening in the glass with aromas of sweet dark berries, licorice and petals, the 2022 Meyney is medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a fleshy core of fruit girdled by sweet but firm tannins. Pure and taut, it is a strong effort that will require a bit of patience.