2022 Chateau Grand Village

Given they are under the same ownership of the Guinaudau family, Chateau Grand Village is often referred to as Chateau Lafleur’s second vineyard. The estate has been owned by the Guinaudau’s relatives for hundreds of years, however it was not until the year 2000 that they began to produce wine themselves from the property. Situated on the edge of the Fronsac region and classified as Bordeaux Superieur, the vineyard is planted to 79% Merlot and 21% Bouchets (Cabernet Franc). The terroir is similar to Saint Emilion with its mix of calcisol going down a foot or so to a bedrock mostly made up of asteria limestone. At Grand Village, they practice many of the same techniques employed at Lafleur, including pruning and de-budding adapted to each vine plant, crop thinning in summer and de-leafing. The grapes are picked by hand, followed by very careful sorting and selection. Grand Village also produces a white wine from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (85%) and Semillon (15%), from a 5 acre plot.

Other Reviews....
Baptiste Guinaudeau and his team have produced a beautifully pure, perfumed 2022 Grand Village that bursts with aromas of licorice, graphite, blackberries, pencil shaving, iris and fresh mint. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and fleshy, this outstanding wine is perfectly balanced on the palate with velvety tannins and a bright, saline finish. This is one of the very best Grand Villages produced to date, and it benefits from the sort of careful winemaking normally reserved for cru classé wines. It’s a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, although for the latter grape the Guinaudeau family prefers the local name of Bouchet.
92-94 points
Yohan Castaing - Wine Advocate (Apr 29, 2023)

The 2022 Grand Village Rouge is plump, juicy and quite extroverted in its first impression. But that is the first impression only. Aromatics and underlying structure emerge with a bit of air, signaling a complex, dynamic wine that punches well above its weight. The blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Bouchet (Cabernet Franc), with the Bouchet really driving the blend. Superb. Drink 2025-2032.
92 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

A rich Grand Village with a pretty density of dark-plum, dark-chocolate and walnut character. Medium- to full-bodied with velvety tannins and a creamy, savory and fresh finish. Lovely opulence at the end. 80% merlot and 20% bouchet. Better in a year or two.
93 points
James Suckling

Sporting a deep purple/plum hue, the 2022 Grand Village (Lafleur) offers up a rocking bouquet of ripe black cherries and blackberry-like fruits as well as some truffly earth, licorice, and chalky minerality. It's a powerful, concentrated, medium to full-bodied, broad, and layered Grand Village that offers pleasure today yet is going to benefit from at least 4-6 years of bottle age and have 20+ years of overall longevity. The tannins are particularly velvety, and it has a Saint-Emilion-like sense of limestone minerality. Drink 2031-2051.
94 points
Jeb Dunnuck

Soft floral aromas on the nose, delicate and gentle with milk chocolate, salty stones and freshness. Sleek and well framed, smooth but direct, the flavours drive from start to finish in one direction and movement. Juicy and plump, but controlled, not shouting. Acidity is well balanced - soft but cool with cola and creamy aspects and tannins that feel well supportive, not lean, sharp or plush. Round and complete, carefully controlled and feels confident. Has a strength but well positioned and finessed with lovely salinity. Drink 2026-2035.
92 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter