Chateau Jean Blanc Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2022

Château Jean Blanc is a 12-hectare estate in Saint-Pey-d’Armens, in the eastern part of the Saint-Émilion appellation, where the vineyards average around 30 years of age. The vines are planted on sandy-silty and gravelly soils, giving the wines a softer, more approachable expression of Saint-Émilion than the limestone plateau’s more structured styles. The estate has invested heavily in modernising its winery and barrel cellar, with temperature-controlled concrete vats and late pruning used to reduce frost risk. The 2022 vintage was exceptionally warm and dry across Bordeaux, but the estate’s soils and careful harvesting allowed the grapes to achieve full ripeness while retaining enough freshness to keep the wine balanced.

The 2022 is composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Fermentation takes place in concrete vats with around 30 days of maceration before the wine is matured in French oak, including 25% new barrels, 30% one-wine barrels and 45% two-wine barrels. The result is a generous, fruit-led Saint-Émilion, with ripe cherry, raspberry and blackberry alongside subtle spice and gentle vanilla from the oak. The palate is rich and rounded, with supple tannins, good concentration and enough freshness to keep the finish lively rather than heavy. A straightforward but well-made Grand Cru that works particularly well with roast beef, lamb, duck, grilled meats, charcuterie and mature cheeses.