Introduction: Château de Sales holds a unique place in Pomerol — not just as the appellation's largest single estate at over 90 hectares, but as one of Bordeaux's great stories of unbroken family continuity, owned by the same family since 1464. The grand 17th-century château, one of the few truly regal manor houses in all of Pomerol, belies the appellation's otherwise modest architectural character. With 30-year-old average vine age and a traditional approach that favors concrete vats and restrained new oak, de Sales consistently produces Pomerol at a fraction of the appellation's typical prices. The 2022 is being called the finest en primeur showing the estate has put forward in years, earning scores of 92–94 across multiple publications.

Terroir: The vineyard sits in a single, large parcel in the western sector of Pomerol, where soils transition from the prized iron-rich clay of the central plateau toward a mix of gravel, sand, and clay — a somewhat lighter terroir that accounts for the estate's characteristic elegance and freshness rather than the pure weight and power of the appellation's most concentrated wines. The 2022 growing season began with a mild, dry winter followed by a warm, dry summer that built exceptional phenolic ripeness, and the estate's western position gave just enough freshness to maintain balance.

Appearance: Deep, bright crimson-ruby with a vivid, youthful core and purple-hued edges — a beautiful, clean color that speaks to the vintage's concentration.

Nose: Ripe and seductive — red and black plums, fresh black cherry, blueberry, and violet lead, with savory notes of dried mint, spice, and a touch of cardamom. Subtle vanilla cream and a hint of menthol add complexity. Vin de Vins described it as "fine and fresh, with blueberries and blackberries dominating, along with a discreet spice, cream, and smoky tones." The Wine Cellar Insider's importer notes add "complex and seductive black cherry, violet, and vanilla."

Palate: Medium- to full-bodied, round, and supple with outstanding texture — one of the wine's calling cards. Fine-grained tannins are beautifully integrated, supporting dense, ripe black fruit and a refreshing acidity that keeps the wine lively despite the vintage's inherent warmth. A chalky, licorice-laden quality emerges on the mid-palate, with the fruit's richness balanced by genuine tension. Multiple critics noted the wine's opulence and elegance working in concert — a "full mouthfeel with a refreshing lift," per one UK reviewer.

Finish: Long and persistent, with a clean, mineral-inflected fade of dark fruit, spice, and a saline underpinning. The tannins resolve into a polished, elegant close that speaks to the wine's serious aging potential.

Food Pairings:
🥩 Meat: Roasted duck breast with cherry reduction, braised beef short ribs, or rack of lamb with herb crust and Pomerol jus.
🥦 Vegetarian: Wild mushroom and black truffle risotto, roasted beet and walnut salad with aged cheese, or lentil and root vegetable cassoulet.
🧀 Charcuterie Board: Aged Comté, creamy Brie de Meaux, duck rillettes, fig confiture, and toasted walnuts.

Overall Impression: The 2022 Château de Sales is the estate's finest showing in recent memory — a pure, seamless, elegantly structured Pomerol that delivers the appellation's signature plushness with genuine finesse and precision. Accessible now with decanting, it will reward 4–12 years of cellaring. Decant 45–60 minutes; serve at 62–65°F; drink 2026–2034.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14.5%
Farming Practices: Traditional estate viticulture; 30+ year average vine age; large single parcel; environmentally conscious management
Producer Name: Château de Sales
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: France
Region: Pomerol AOC, Bordeaux (Right Bank)
Grape Varietals:Merlot 83%, Cabernet Sauvignon 12%, Cabernet Franc 5%
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Dry Red — Medium- to full-bodied, with the classic Pomerol profile: plush Merlot-driven fruit, supple tannins, and generous texture balanced by lively acidity. More elegant and finesse-driven than the appellation's most concentrated wines, with genuine aging potential.
Winemaking Techniques: De-stemming and crushing; alcoholic fermentation in traditional concrete vats (100–180 hectoliter capacity) with temperature regulation; aged 12–18 months in French oak barrels (one-third new wood) to preserve fruit brightness and avoid aggressive oak character
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Cork