A 5th Grand Cru Classé of Pauillac, the Château Croizet-Bages 2022 stands in the great Médoc tradition while offering the generous brilliance of a sunny vintage. On the gravelly crest of Bages, the vine draws its uprightness and precision, delivering a red that is both flavoursome and structured. This 2022 will charm those seeking depth without harshness, the expression of precise black fruit, the caress of finely edged tannin grain, and that underlying tension that marks accomplished Pauillacs. For the gastronome looking for a well-defined wine, as well as the collector wanting a bottle with ageing potential, this cuvée combines density, aromatic clarity and persistence on the palate with a natural sense of balance. The imprint of French oak, subtly integrated, underlines the spicy and noble woody register without ever encroaching on the purity of the fruit.

Blend and winemaking

Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and a touch of Petit Verdot, the blend embodies Pauillac's identity, balancing uprightness and breadth. The deep gravel plots promote even ripening, ensuring a straight tannic framework and aromatic finesse. The vinifications, carried out with precision, aim for just the right extraction to preserve fruit and freshness. Ageing in French oak barrels, carefully dosed, adds complexity and a silky texture. Here the wood blends subtly, revealing gentle spices and a cedar breath, creating a harmonious whole that retains the vintage's energy while refining the wine's flesh.

Tasting notes

• Colour : Deep and clear, bright, announcing concentrated substance and a precise aromatic expression.
• Nose : Fruity and refined, it opens with blackcurrant and blackberry, edged with gentle spices, cedar and light graphite notes. A hint of tobacco leaf and liquorice adds complexity.
• Palate : Generous and precise on the attack, a savoury mid-palate, polished fine-grained tannins. Freshness lengthens the wine and gives it a savoury finish marked by returning black fruits, a touch of noble oak and a persistent spicy lift.

Serving temperature and recommendations

Serve between 16 et 18°C in large Bordeaux-style glasses to reveal the aromatic architecture and the texture of the tannins. Decanting on opening will encourage the expression of the fruit and the harmony of the oak. Store bottles lying down, away from light, with stable humidity. This 2022 possesses a notable ageing potential, and will gain complexity with a few years' rest in the cellar, while already offering clear table appeal thanks to its ripe fruit and measured structure.

Food pairings

• Aperitifs : fine charcuterie, pheasant rillettes, shavings of aged ham.
• Starters : game terrine, porcini mushrooms Bordelaise-style, pan-seared foie gras with figs.
• Main courses : grilled rib of beef, herb-crusted rack of lamb, roast duck with reduced jus and root vegetables.
• Cheeses : well-aged Comté, sheep's-milk tomme, old mimolette.
• Desserts : low-sugar cocoa textures, chocolate and praline biscuit, or a simple square of intense dark chocolate.

Occasions

The Château Croizet-Bages 2022 is the companion for chosen moments:

• A seasonal dinner centred on grilled meats and mushrooms.
• A festive meal celebrating French cuisine and the art of the table.
• A connoisseur's gift for a Pauillac enthusiast.

Characteristics

• Name : Château Croizet-Bages 2022
• Appellation : Pauillac AOC
• Classification : 5th Grand Cru Classé (1855)
• Type : Red wine, Fine wines
• Vintage : 2022
• Grapes : Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
• Ageing : French oak barrels
• Volume : 75 cl
• Cellaring : Good ageing potential
• Serving temperature : 16 à 18°C