Professional Tasters Weigh In on the Top Wines, Regions, and Trends of the Year
LONDON – The Liv-ex network, the world’s largest pool of professional fine wine traders, with over 630 members across 44 countries, is a significant force in the global wine market, accounting for an estimated 90% of fine wine turnover. Annually, Liv-ex conducts a survey among members who attended tastings, collecting their thoughts and predictions about the En Primeur campaign. This report focuses on the 2022 survey’s results, providing a snapshot of professional tasters’ consensus on young Bordeaux.
Château Cheval Blanc was crowned the vintage of the year, while Château Brane Cantenac was seen as the top value for money. Thirty percent of respondents voted Saint-Émilion as the most impressive region. Predictions indicated an average rise of 7.7% in ex-négociant release prices compared to the previous year, and 4.9% higher than in 2020. The majority, 77% of merchants, anticipate higher demand than last year. Neal Martin was recognized as the most influential Bordeaux En Primeur critic.
Following the Bordeaux tastings, members ranked their top five wines of the 2022 vintage. Château Cheval Blanc emerged as the highest scorer, with Château Lafite Rothschild in second place. First Growths, Château Margaux and Château Mouton Rothschild, ranked fifth and ninth respectively. Château Figeac, Château Carmes Haut Brion, and Château Canon also featured prominently in the top ten.
The value wines expected to be released under £1,000 per case were led by Château Brane Cantenac 2022. Interestingly, Carmes Haut Brion ranked sixth and appeared in both the top value wines and Liv-ex members’ top wines of the vintage.
In rating the 2022 vintage, members awarded an average score of 96.2 points, making it the highest-scoring vintage since the first survey in 2007. Members also ranked the quality of the last five vintages considering only the First Growths. The 2019 vintage was ranked as the best quality, closely followed by 2022.
Merchants’ opinions about the vintage varied widely, with high alcohol levels being a common theme. Despite this, many noted the vintage’s surprising freshness and the impact of the winemakers in managing a challenging growing season. The 2022 vintage is seen as a new era for Bordeaux, with exciting prospects and challenges ahead.
