Ch. Lamarsalle Rouge organic 2022

Château Lamarsalle 2022

The "Hidden Gem" of Montagne – Purity, Finesse, and Biodynamic Soul

The Vibe

In 2026, the 2022 Château Lamarsalle is gaining serious traction as one of the best "Right Bank" values. Produced by the Despagne-Rapin family (who have been winemakers for 11 generations), this wine comes from the same prestigious estate as Domaine de Maison Blanche.

The 2022 vintage was historically warm, but Lamarsalle's certified biodynamic and organic farming allowed the 50-year-old vines to handle the heat beautifully. The result is a wine that feels "complete"—it has the richness of a sun-soaked year but retains the refined, limestone-driven elegance that defines the Saint-Émilion satellites.

The Nose

The 2022 aromatics are expressive and "darkly fruited":

• The Fruit: Explosive notes of black cherry, blackberry, and ripe plum.

• The Complexity: Because it is aged in a mix of steel tanks and older oak, you get pure graphite, dried tobacco, and herbal notes (think thyme or bay leaf) rather than heavy vanilla.

• The Floral: A subtle, elegant hint of violet and peony that is a signature of their high-quality Cabernet Franc.

The Taste

On the palate, the 2022 is ample, velvety, and impressively precise.

• The Texture: This vintage is noted for its "satinous" tannins. They are fine-grained and soft on entry but provide a firm, "chiselled" frame on the finish.

• The Profile: A dense core of dark berries and licorice is balanced by a refreshing "crunchy" acidity. It feels energetic and "vivid" rather than heavy.

• The Finish: Persistent and clean, with a lingering taste of cherry skin and a touch of saline minerality.

📋 Product Specs (2022 Vintage)

Best Paired With:

• The Classic Match: Roasted lamb with garlic or a grilled T-bone steak.

• The Gourmet Choice: Duck confit or a rich beef Wellington.

• The Earthy Side: Mushroom-based dishes (risotto or porcini pasta) really complement the wine's forest-floor nuances.

• The Cheese: Soft, aromatic cheeses like Camembert or a semi-hard Mimolette.

Pro Tip: In 2026, the 2022 is already showing great poise, but it still has that "young Bordeaux" energy. Decant it for 45–60 minutes to let the fruit fully emerge. Serve at 16–17°C. If you can find a bottle of their 2019 (which won "Red Wine of the Year" in Finland), it's worth comparing the two—the 2019 is slightly more "savory," while this 2022 is all about "opulent fruit."