UGCB 2022 Vintage Preview
As a globetrotting journalist specializing in fine wine, one of the highlights of my year is always the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (UGCB) 2022 Vintage Preview in New York City.
This annual release event offers a rare and invaluable opportunity to explore the vintage destined to captivate connoisseurs and collectors worldwide.
For me, it’s as much about tasting and learning as it is about reconnecting with the passionate individuals behind some of Bordeaux’s most celebrated estates.
The 2022 vintage, as described by UGCB President Ronan Laborde of Château Clinet, is a triumph, producing “deep, rich, round wines with tremendous precision.”
The wines are still young and need time to mature before their true beauty is fully expressed. Yet, they reveal fascinating nuances in style across Bordeaux’s varied appellations. It was a joy to taste these wines side-by-side and consider how terroir, technique, and vintage conditions shaped their personalities.
The event buzzed with energy, with eager members of the wine trade crowding into the tasting room.
I navigated the crowds to connect with as many producers as I could, savoring both their wines and their stories.
Highlights
A few highlights include catching up with Jean-Jacques Dubourdieu of Denis Dubourdieu Domaines and Lilian Barton Sartorius of Château Léoville Barton.
I was delighted to see Emeline Borie of Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste—though I knew in advance she would be showing her wine at this event.
A few days earlier, she had hosted me and other recent graduates of the OIV MSc in Wine Business Management at her château for a tour, elegant lunch, and unforgettable tastings of older vintages.
Emeline’s warmth and hospitality struck me as much then as it did again at the UGCB tasting, where she and other producers appeared remarkably fresh despite their whirlwind US tour.
Attending events like these is not just about the wines we taste—it’s also about the bonds we strengthen.
Many of the producers present had invited me to their homes for dinner, lodging, or a walk in their vineyards.
Friendship
Bordeaux is built on heritage and friendships, and the UGCB’s mission to spotlight its member châteaux around the world is a key part of preserving and sharing that legacy.
For those unfamiliar, the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux, established in 1973, represents more than 130 distinguished Bordeaux grands crus. Their mission is to promote the region’s exceptional wines and connect producers with professionals and enthusiasts across the globe.
Stay tuned as I delve deeper into my visit to Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste at a later point.
Until then, my glass is raised to the 2022 vintage and the people who bring its promise to life. Santé!
