It’s “…not far from Cheval Blanc…” per Jeb Dunnuck.

True, Jeb, AND you can buy a case of this for what you pay for a BOTTLE of ’22 Cheval Blanc?!

Take it from Vinous too, “Jean Faure, next door to Cheval Blanc of course, is one of the most distinctive Saint-Émilions readers will come across.” Thanks to a once-in-a-lifetime vintage like 2022, this one could as well be Saint-Émilion’s VALUE OF THE CENTURY. Can you buy a Harlan Estate neighbor for $55? With 96 points?! And triple 95s to spare! Nuh-uh. Not even close. You’re welcome.

Oh, in other news, remember that library vintage Bordeaux CellarStocker we had back in March? It was such a popular event that we shook the tree for more and got just enough to bring a few back for a day when we celebrate great Bordeaux again. Be sure to CHECK THE STORE OUT and the App, for cherries to top your proverbial locker cakes with today.

Those Ops who went heavy on the sellout 2019 vintage that we met Jean Faure through will find in this youthfully potent vintage to be all that, and then some. While Cabernet Franc similarly dominates a rare 2/3 of the blend again, 2022 offers the best of both worlds. Those who seek instant gratification, after a healthy decant, will find a plush, forward Right Bank that’s irresistibly round and sleek. Yet those of you with saintly patience will get rewarded in spades with cellar time, we also agree with Jeb here, well into the 2060s. I may be long gone by the time this wine starts to head downhill, so cheers to that thought!

While this neighborhood thrived for centuries, Jean Faure got somewhat forgotten, despite its distinctly privileged situation. Wine Spectator profiles the remarkable resurrection; “we all have the dream - to maybe one day buy a little rundown winery in some out-of-the-way wine area and spend our time fixing up the place, but how about a Bordeaux fixer-upper? One in Saint-Émilion, located right next door to the famed Cheval-Blanc? Now that’s jumping into the deep end. But it’s exactly what Olivier Decelle and his wife, Anne, have done …Jean-Faure was originally a well-respected Grand Cru Classé… Decelle has learned firsthand how to make a small fortune in the wine business (start with a large one), and he feels the pressure to see Jean-Faure listed among the great names of Saint-Émilion once again… it was clear that Decelle has Jean-Faure on an upward trajectory.”

Guess what? That trajectory’s gone exponential since, and Jean Faure is BACK IN THE BIG LEAGUE! And being one of the first to know that, go ahead and steal it at the best price anywhere - we’ll look the other way…

With so little imported and almost exclusively by us, don’t say we didn’t warn ya!

96 Points – Vinous “The 2022 Jean Faure is a total stunner. It shows much better from bottle than it did from barrel. Jean Faure often catches people out due to its dominance of Cabernet Franc (64% in this vintage). It has an enticing bouquet with brambly red fruit, dried blood and bell pepper deriving from the Cabernet Franc-dominated blend. Soaring aromatics meld into a core of vibrant red/purplish fruit. Blood orange, raspberry, mocha, spice and new leather soar out of the glass. There’s plenty of energy here. This comes recommended. Drink 2027-2042.”

95 Points – Jeb Dunnuck “The 2022 Château Jean Faure is based on 64% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot, and 6% Malbec that’s from deeper clay soils on the upper plateau, not far from Cheval Blanc and La Dominique. Raised in 30% new oak with 25% in foudre and 15% in concrete tanks, its high Cabernet Franc component gives this wine its singular character, and while it’s never the biggest or richest wine in a vintage, it absolutely shines for its complexity and nuance. The 2022’s deep ruby/plum hue is followed by an exotic perfume of red and black fruits, blood orange, and spicy, floral nuances. With medium-bodied richness, a pure, graceful, beautifully balanced mouthfeel, and fine tannins, this classy, elegant Saint-Émilion will benefit from 4-6 years of bottle age (you’ll be excused for drinking a bottle today), and it should see its 25th birthday in fine form. Tasted twice with consistent notes. Drink 2031-2061.”

95 Points – Decanter “A Cabernet Franc dominant wine with a beautifully scented nose - really open and expressive with floral tones of roses and violets with cherries and bramble fruit. A stunning profile on the palate with refined, velvety tannins giving the structure and frame in the mouth, supporting crisp and ripe red berry and plum fruit with lovely balanced acidity and such long length. Feels supremely complete and already really approachable and enjoyable. Great quality and one to seek out for its finesse and elegance, all while delivering a ton of flavour and complexity. Just great! Drink 2027-2042.”

95 Points – The Wine Palate “Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2022 Jean Faure leaps with vibrant aromas of black cherries, wild blueberries, and red currant jelly, giving way to hints of red roses and pencil shavings. The medium to full-bodied palate is graceful and plush with a lively backbone and long mineral-laced finish. Drink 2028-2050.”