2022 Chateau Marjosse, Bordeaux Rouge

Château Marjosse is the personal project of Pierre Lurton, better known for running estates like Cheval Blanc and d’Yquem. The property sits in Entre-Deux-Mers on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, where clay and limestone soils favor Merlot and tend to produce rounder, more open wines than the more Cabernet-driven bottlings of the Left Bank. The 2022 is mostly Merlot, fleshed out with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a little old-vine Malbec. The limestone and clay hold onto freshness even in warm years, and 2022 in Bordeaux was warm. What came through is dark fruit with real energy: blackberry, plum, a hint of spice on the back end, tannins that are plush without being heavy. It drinks well right now and will certainly deliver over the next 2–3 years.

A polished, generous Bordeaux from a serious hand, made to drink well without a long wait. At $19.99, it’s a steal.