Bordeaux 2022: Heat, Drought & the Magic of Clay Soils

It almost goes without saying — 2022 was one of the hottest and driest years on record. For us, it was not simply a “left bank vs right bank” story, but a test of terroir, vineyard decisions, and timing.

While full ripeness could be achieved across Bordeaux, not all vines handled the stress equally. At Château Canon Chaigneau, our clay-limestone soils — not common across the right bank — made all the difference, locking in precious water and keeping the roots cooler throughout the summer.

From the Frosts of 2021 to the Heat of 2022

The contrast with 2021 could not have been greater. That year brought frost, rain, mildew, and a 60% drop in production. In 2022, we faced the opposite challenge: relentless sunshine and almost no rain — just 209 mm between April and harvest, well below the 300 mm minimum vines need to thrive.

Temperatures climbed steadily:

• April: 17.4°C

• July: 31.1°C

• August: just under 32°C

Four consecutive months of heat like this are rare in Bordeaux history.

Key Decisions in the Vineyard

Several factors helped us preserve freshness and balance:

• No leaf removal (effeuillage) in 2022, which kept grapes shaded from direct sun.

• Half our vineyard rows run north–south, limiting exposure to the most intense sunlight.

• Deep clay-limestone soils stored winter and spring moisture for the vines to draw on.

• Higher elevation parcels protected us from spring frost damage.

Thankfully, we escaped wildfires and smoke taint that affected some other wine regions in France.

Harvest & First Impressions

We began picking on September 6 — earlier than most years, but still later than the record-early 2003 harvest. Parcels were harvested selectively, with rigorous sorting to remove any heat-affected berries.

The result was grapes with optimal ripeness, concentrated colour, and a measured alcohol level of 14.2%. Even young vines, while yielding slightly less juice, contributed depth and structure.

The 2022 in 2025: From Promise to Proof

Three years on, our 2022 Lalande-de-Pomerol has moved from promise to proof. The deep purple colour and intense concentration we saw at harvest are now matched by velvety tannins and layers of ripe black fruit. The freshness from our terroir perfectly balances the warmth of the vintage, making it a wine to enjoy now or cellar for the next 10+ years.

Taste the 2022 Vintage
Quantities are limited — discover the elegance and power of this exceptional year:
👉 Order Château Canon Chaigneau 2022