Château Berliquet 2022

Château Berliquet is a Grand Cru Classé in Saint-Émilion, on the right bank of Bordeaux, a Merlot-led estate with Cabernet Franc in support. Much of the appellation, Berliquet among its better sites, sits on the limestone plateau and its clay-limestone slopes, cool soils that hold water through dry summers and give the wines their freshness, mineral grip and aromatic lift. The maritime climate is moderated by the Dordogne for a long, even season. The 2022 is aged for 16 months in a mix of amphorae and oak barrels. The clay amphorae allow slow oxygen exchange while adding no wood flavour, keeping the fruit and minerality clear, while the barrels build tannin structure and a little spice. The colour is deep, bright ruby. The nose is concentrated, with deep black fruit, violet and a fine liquorice and cocoa note. The palate is vibrant and concentrated, medium to full bodied, deep and distinctly mineral, with firm but polished tannin and a long, saline finish drawn from the limestone. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, and decant a young vintage two hours ahead. It is a fine partner for roast beef and lamb.