2022 Ch de Sales, Pomerol

DUE OCT/NOV 2025

Medium- to full-bodied red with depth and complexity. Layers of fine, creamy tannins and compact structure. Meaty and racy with a lingering finish. Pure dark fruit with hints of chocolate.

94-95 points jamessuckling.com

A strong effort from this large Pomerol property, the 2022 De Sales offers up aromas of red fruits, plums and licorice, followed by a medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy palate that's ample, layered and velvety, exhibiting a touch more concentration than is habitual at this address without compromising the elegant house style.

90-92 points William Kelley robertparker.com

(83% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3.6 pH, 14.5% alcohol) Finely fragrant and fresh, blueberries and blackberries dominate, plus a subtle spiciness, cream, smoky tones. Opulence and elegance on the palate, ripe fruit, finely interwoven tannins support this, despite 14.5% alcohol there is no heat involved. Long-lasting finish with red fruity back aromas. A hit and in the context of the expected price a clear purchase recommendation.

92-94 points Adrian van Velsen vvwine.ch

Inky plum in the colour, and there are plenty of ripe fruits through the palate that head towards overripe but keep on the right side of the line, with pulsing waves of saffran, mandarin peel, pomegrante and redcherry fruit. A little soft through the mid palate, but this is an enjoyable Sales, deftly handled. 18% new oak, 82% one year and two year old barrels. Harvest September 7 to 21. Temperatures in August 2C hotter than average for the last 10 years, and de Sales' location in a warmer spot close to the city of Libourne will have challenged a few plots, particularly any young vines, making the result particularly impressive.

92 points janeanson.com