Le Cinciole Chianti Classico 2021 - Great price/quality

97 Pointed Haut-Bages Liberal 2022

Fresh off the press: Bordeaux 2022 in-bottle scores are here, and we’ve scoured through the report to uncover the best value pick.

“The purity and primary intensity of the fruit is remarkable …This is one of the under-the-radar gems of 2022.” - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Haut-Bages Libéral, a rising star in Pauillac, has undergone a remarkable transformation under the stewardship of Claire Villars-Lurton. Since taking over in 2000, she has implemented a visionary approach, converting the estate to organic and biodynamic viticulture to enhance the purity and expression of its exceptional terroir. A passionate advocate for sustainability, she has introduced practices that foster biodiversity and resilience in the vineyard, aligning the estate with the highest environmental standards.

Situated on prime gravelly soils near Chateau Latour, Haut-Bages Libéral produces wines that blend classic Pauillac power with finesse and elegance. Claire Villars-Lurton’s meticulous approach in both the vineyard and cellar has propelled the estate to new heights, with recent vintages showing remarkable depth, structure, and aging potential.

The 2022 vintage features an its highest portion of Cabernet Sauvignon yet with 87% in the blend. The results is a wine with both power and precision. Scoring the same as some of the big hitters in Pauillac, the Haut-Bages Liberal 2022 undoubtedly offers great value coming in with a modest price tag and the high 97-Point score from Antonio Galloni of Vinous.

We recommend buying a couple of cases and popping them in the back of the cellar, you won’t regret the decision in the years to come.

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Comparison: Pauillac 2022’s:

 

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Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal 2022

 

97 Points | Vinous, Antonio Galloni

The 2022 Haut-Bages Libéral is huge and explosive right out of the gate. A rush of dark red cherry/plum fruit, rose petal, blood orange, incense, licorice and mocha saturates the palate. Saline notes extend the mid-palate and finish effortlessly. This is one of the most exuberant, ample wines I have tasted from Claire Villars-Lurton. I would give the 2022 a number of years in bottle to shed some baby fat. Today, it tastes almost like a barrel sample! The purity and primary intensity of the fruit is remarkable. The Haut-Bages Libéral was raised in a combination of 40% new oak, 40% once-used barrels and 20% a mix of concrete and amphora. This is one of the under-the-radar gems of 2022.

 

See all wines and vintages of Haut-Bages Liberal

Photo: Guillaume Sorrel in the wine cellar

Legendary Northern Rhône Producer: Domaine Marc Sorrel 2022’s

Guillaume Sorrel’s 2022 releases stand out as some of the most compelling and dynamic wines from the Hermitage appellation.

 

Domaine Marc Sorrel is a revered name in the Northern Rhône, renowned for its dedication to traditional winemaking in Hermitage. Though small in size, the estate has built a formidable reputation for crafting expressive Syrah and Marsanne wines that honour the region’s terroir. The Sorrel family’s legacy in Hermitage dates back to the late 19th century, with the domaine officially established by Félix Sorrel in 1928. Initially, the estate sold its grapes to négociants, but under the guidance of Henri Sorrel in 1979, it began bottling its own wines, marking a new chapter of excellence.

Marc Sorrel took over in 1982, expanding the estate to include some of Hermitage’s most prestigious lieux-dits, such as Les Bessards, Les Greffieux, and Le Méal. His philosophy remains rooted in tradition, focusing on minimal intervention to allow the terroir to shine. The vineyards, perched on granite-laden slopes, benefit from Hermitage’s unique microclimate, while whole-cluster fermentation and extended aging in used oak barrels ensure structure, complexity, and elegance. Since 2018, Marc’s son, Guillaume Sorrel, has played a key role in preserving the family legacy, and many would argue that his influence has taken the wines to new heights. With experience in both Burgundy and the Rhône, he brings a refined touch while remaining deeply committed to the estate’s traditional roots.

The 2022 Northern Rhône vintage saw intense heat and drought, yet Hermitage’s old vines endured, yielding structured, concentrated wines. The Syrahs across the region is bold and ripe, showcasing dark fruit, spice, and refined tannins. While approachable young, the best will gain complexity, peaking around 10-14 years, balancing charm, freshness, and depth.

Le Gréal sits at the pinnacle of Domaine Marc Sorrel’s production, a truly exceptional wine crafted from 100-year-old, organically farmed vines in two of Hermitage’s greatest terroirs. With 90% Syrah from Le Méal and the rest from Les Gréffieux, the blend also includes 10% co-planted Marsanne, adding elegance and floral lift. Limited to fewer than 2,000 bottles, its cult-like following grows with each release, making it one of the most coveted wines in the Northern Rhône.

With its limited production and uncompromising quality, Domaine Marc Sorrel remains one of the most sought-after producers in Hermitage, a true guardian of the region’s winemaking heritage.

We are avid fans of the wines at all levels, and our allocations are limited, so if Northern Rhône wines are your passion, don’t hesitate.

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Marc Sorrel Crozes-Hermitage 2022

93 Points | Decanter, Matt Walls

Powerful, ripe blackberry fruit and compote. Full-bodied, with a lovely sense of freshness and power on the textured palate that displays fresh herbs. This will both age and drink well young. Grown on Kaolin soils in Larnage. All whole bunch. No pigeage, all submerged cap.

 

Marc Sorrel Hermitage 2022

95 Points | Decanter, Matt Walls

The whole-bunch element is quite marked on the nose currently, and there's good fresh fruit too. Powerful on the palate, this has good intensity and drive, and the whole bunches are quite marked texturally as well. Good length and freshness, with fleshy fruit and a robust, tannic frame. A little more rustic than some Hermitage, but with age this will be very good. Grown on lieux-dits Les Bessards and Les Plantiers.

Marc Sorrel Hermitage Le Greal 2022

96 Points | Decanter, Matt Walls

Darkly coloured. Wonderful nose – very Hermitage in its meaty, smoky, roasted notes. Surprisingly fresh and lively for such a hot and dry vintage. Powerful, with quite marked acidity and robust, slightly fibrous tannins that will take time to soften. The finish is long with great vitality, this is a very genuine, authentic Hermitage and doesn't even feel like it comes from a hot vintage. There is a slight green note to the tannins, which arguably aren't as elegant as in some years, but it's a wine that speaks strongly of terroir. From lieux-dits Le Méal and Les Greffieux. 7% Marsanne and Roussanne coplanted with the Syrah in Le Méal.

 

See all available wines and vintages of Marc Sorrel.