2022 Vieux Chateau St Andre

The 2022 Vieux Château Saint Andre is made by Jeff Berrouet from 12.5 hectares of vines in the Montagne region on the Right Bank. Mostly Merlot, yet with 10% Cabernet Franc, raised mostly in used barrels (10% new), it has a terrific nose of ripe black cherries, tobacco leaf, damp earth, and chocolate that would give a top Saint-Emilion a run for its money. This carries to a medium to full-bodied, round, supple 2022 with ripe tannins, layered mouthfeel, and outstanding length.

This is always a château to look out for in quality vintages, because you get the skill of the Berrouet family at great value. Helped by the limestone soils also, this is expectedly impressive, softly spoken damson and black cherry fruit, pulses of pomegranate and passion fruit, bitter chocolate and liqourice. A great wine, a buy.