Charmail - Haut-Médoc 2022

Alexandre Ma

91

byAlexandre Mathe3/10/2025

Upon opening, the wine presents pronounced toasted aromas, but after just two minutes of aeration, a vibrant bouquet of fresh fruit emerges. Its bright acidity and silky tannins create a soft texture, offering good drinkability. The fresh notes of cherry and strawberry are delightful, entirely free from any signs of overripe or dry heat. The finish carries a touch of “temper,” slightly emphasizing the wine’s structure. However, with 2–3 years of aging, it is poised to unveil a more refined personality.

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

92

byJane Ansonthe3/7/2025

Rose petals on the nose, chalky tannins that give an edge of freshness in a hot and spicy year. This is well done, a little soft through the mid palate but has a sculpted edge, smoked cedar, ripe raspberry fruits and sappy lift through the finish. Great location in St Seurin de Cadourne. Last year as Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel before it withdraws from the ranking.

The Wine Cellar Insider

89

byJeff Levethe3/4/2025

Charmail, Château

Jeb DUNNUCK

92

byJeb Dunnuckthe2/28/2025

The 2022 Château Charmail is terrific, as well as a great value in the vintage. Deep purple-hued, it’s loaded with ripe black cherry, cassis, and graphite notes, with a subtle touch of smoky oak in the background. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has present tannins and terrific overall balance. It needs short-term cellaring to let the tannins soften, but it has loads of character and depth. Give this classic, well-made Haut-Médoc 3-4 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following 15 years or more.

Yvesbeck.wine

94

byYves Beckthe2/25/2025

42% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot Le bouquet peine quelque peu à se révéler, mais ce qu'il dévoile est convaincant, comme par exemple des nuances de myrtilles et de sureau ainsi qu'une rafraîchissante touche d'eucalyptus. Dense et suave en attaque, le vin est harmonieux. Ses tannins, puissants, offrent une très belle assise et vont de pair avec une subtile austérité qui assure tempérament et persistance. Un vin réjouissant, charmant et sapide ; il faudra un peu l'attendre ! 2028-2044 94/100

Jamessuckling.com

92

byJames Sucklingthe2/3/2025

Crushed walnuts, blackberries and tobacco on the nose of this savory red. It’s medium-bodied, firm and precise. Stony and mineral at the end. Drink from 2028.

Vinous

91

byAntonio Gallonithe1/28/2025

The 2022 Charmail is a potent, heady wine. A blast of blackberry fruit, gravel, cloves, leather and a kiss of new oak amplify this expressive Haut-Médoc. This is an especially dense, plush style, but it works. The blend is 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, including a dollop of Petit Verdot. I find the oak a bit too strong at this stage.

Decanter.com

91

byGeorgina Hindlethe5/25/2023

Gorgeous richness of fruit and concentrated texture straight away, smooth, silky but still tannic with quite imposing and mouthfilling tannins that come across quite strongly and end the fruit enjoyment a bit too soon. Nice minerality and crushed stone aspects though, not harsh, just massy. Well controlled fruit though - there's something really quite captivating about this. HVE certified.

matthewjukes.com

16,5

byMatthew Jukesthe5/15/2023

Yvesbeck.wine

93-94

byYves Beckthe5/10/2023

Les Cabernets ne manquent pas de plébisciter le bouquet de Charmail. Bien entendu ils sont de pair avec le Merlot, mais ils confèrent du pep… autant au nez qu'en bouche d'ailleurs. Le vin est compact, invitant et soutenu par des tannins suaves, crémeux qui offrent de la dimension à l'ensemble du palais tandis que la structure acide dynamise la fin de bouche. Un vin élégant, sapide et racé.

Jeb DUNNUCK

91-93

byJeb Dunnuckthe5/10/2023

A perennial great value, the 2022 Château Charmail checks in as 45% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot, from hail-decimated yields of 15 hectoliters per hectare that's aging in 50% new French oak, with a small amount in concrete eggs. Rocking levels of smoky blue fruits, cherries, spicy oak, and violets emerge on the nose, and it's medium-bodied, has a pure, elegant texture, and ripe yet building tannins. It has enough structure to warrant some bottle age, but it's good.

The Wine Cellar Insider

90-92

byJeff Levethe5/5/2023

Supple, creamy, dark currants, spice, tobacco leaf, and cedar are all over the place in the nose and on the palate. The finish is fresh and fruity. This is one of those super value wines from the Haut Medoc that savvy wine buyers should be all over. Drink from 2025-2036.

Jamessuckling.com

92-93

byJames Sucklingthe4/19/2023

This is toned and crunchy with dark and blue fruit, sea shells and crushed stones. Medium- to full-bodied. Tannins are compact and chalky. Velvety finish.