The 2022 Gracia Bordeaux Blend from Saint Emilion, France, presents a compelling profile that has garnered positive acclaim from several professional reviewers. This red wine, produced by Gracia, is a blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com gave the wine a score of 94 points, describing it as "fresh, silky, elegant, ripe, soft, and fruity." He noted its forward and vibrant character, emphasizing the refined red pit fruits in the finish. Leve suggests that the wine is best enjoyed between 2025 and 2040.
Jeb Dunnuck of jebdunnuck.com rated the wine even higher, bestowing it with 96 points. He praised its "vivid ruby/purple hue" and "great notes of ripe blue fruits, spring flowers, violets, and chalky minerality." Dunnuck highlighted the wine's medium to full-bodied richness, power, and overriding sense of purity and elegance, calling it a "gorgeous wine from Michel Gracia's tiny 1.83-hectare vineyard."
Jane Anson from janeanson.com gave a score of 93 points, describing the wine as "concentrated, intense," with a "clear tannic hold and architecture." She appreciated its grip and character, as well as the notes of "bitter chocolate, liquorice, slate, chalky tannins." Anson noted that the wine maintains high intensity from beginning to end and uses 80% new oak and 20% stainless steel vats in its production.
James Suckling awarded the wine 95 points, citing a "solid core of fruit with a freshness and brightness," along with "creamy fine tannins" and a "serious finish."
Neal Martin of Vinous rated the wine 93 points, highlighting its "charming and crisp" nose with "copious red berry fruit, blackberry, and briary scents." He found the palate to be medium-bodied with "sappy black fruit and a gentle grip," concluding that it exudes thoughtful winemaking despite not being the most complex Gracia.
Lastly, The Wine Independent also gave the wine 94 points, noting its "deep garnet-purple color" and "eager-to-please notes of baked black plums, juicy blackberries, and fragrant earth." They highlighted the wine's "plush texture and great length."
Overall, the 2022 Gracia Bordeaux Blend is a highly regarded wine that stands out for its vibrant fruit notes, elegant structure, and excellent aging potential.