02/16/2026
Hunt Valley Wine and Spirits is pleased to present a small sampling of our red Bordeaux collection from the superb 2022 vintage.
What makes it “superb?” 2022 was among the hottest and driest vintages in Bordeaux’s recent history, which resulted in wines that are well-rounded with deep color and complex tannins. The nights, however, were consistently cool, allowing the vines to recover from the heat and develop a refreshing acidity that balances beautifully against the rich and ripe flavors.
These are wines that are (so far) excellent at all price points, and are great to pop open with a cheeseburger, offer with a sumptuous meal, present as a gift, or to lay down for extended aging.
Chateau Pape Clement, Grand Cru Classé de Graves $99.99
(98 Points Jeb Dunnuck, 95 Points Decanter)
This is the oldest estate in Bordeaux- the 2026 vintage will be their 720th.
Easily one of the most important vineyards in Pessac (behind only Chateau Haut-Brion and Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion), one of the world’s busiest and successful winemakers, Michel Rolland is employed as a consultant.
The perfumed bouquet of blackberries, cassis, vanilla and graphite is immediate. The palate is big and full-flavored, long lasting, intense and complex.
As stated above, this is a wine that has all the stuffing for long-term aging. Or, if you prefer, decant, wait two hours, then proceed with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Domaine de Chateau Pichon-Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande, ’Reserve,’ Pauillac $54.99
(95 Points James Suckling, 93 Points Wine Advocate)
A truly excellent example of a “second” wine. The vineyard lies at the edge of Pauillac and St. Julien and exhibits some of the characteristics of both communes: the elegant, deeply ripe fruit of St. Julien, and the unmistakable stony graphite flavor that is exemplified in Pauillac.
This is a wine that is built to last: 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc.
Chateau Labegorce, Margaux $39.99
(95 Points Jeb Dunnuck, 95 Points Decanter)
Labégorce évoque ce lieu de cœur, où l’on fait de grands vins depuis des siècles. Un vin au fruit éclatant, d’une grande finesse, un vin qui rassemble, un lieu où l’on a le goût des autres.
“Labégorce evokes this place of heart, where great wines have been made for centuries. A wine with bright fruit, great finesse, a wine that brings people together, a place where you have the taste of others.”
What more can we add to that except the assemblage consists of:
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot.
Chateau Montrose, ‘La Dame de Montrose,’ St. Estephe $49.99
(95 Points James Suckling)
First produced in 1983, this wine is a tribute to Yvonne Charmolue who single-handedly ran the estate from 1944 until 1960. This wine is produced from the same vineyard plots that make up the Premier bottling (Montrose being one of the “Super Seconds”), but Merlot dominates the blend (71% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc).
Despite ‘La Dame’ being a ‘second’ label, its overall quality is undisputed and is a first-rate example of the 2022 vintage.
Chateau Gloria, Saint Julien $49.99
(95 Points Jeb Dunnuck, 93 Points Decanter)
A relative newcomer to Bordeaux, this estate enjoys a special dispensation: of the 55 hectares they have on the Left Bank, 9 of them are in Pauillac- allowing for a further element of complexity to this ‘Cru Bourgeoise.’
The palate of the 2022 is vibrant, with concentrated dark fruits: blackberries, plum, cassis, with hints of to***co and chocolate. The finish is balance, persistent, and lightly spiced.
Chateau Gloria began the transition to biodynamic practices in 2021, being fully certified as ‘organic’ in 2024.
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc.
We look forward to showing you our full collection of the wines of Bordeaux from this excellent vintage!
