Maison Sichel Pauillac 2022

Get to know: Maison Sichel Pauillac

Tasting Note

Maison Sichel’s Pauillac 2022 gives you a real taste of one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated communes, at a price that still feels sensible. This is everything you want from this iconic Bordeaux commune. Deep ruby in colour, it opens with aromas of cassis, black cherry and pencil lead, followed by a touch of cedar, tobacco leaf and crushed violets. The palate is structured but smooth, with ripe black fruit, fine tannins and a long, savoury finish that hints at graphite and spice.

Top food pairings:

• Ribeye steak with peppercorn sauce
• mushroom Wellington with red wine gravy
• Cheese: Comté or aged Manchego

This is a wine that loves protein-rich dishes – its tannins work brilliantly with fatty meats and earthy plant-based mains.

Kate Says

“If you’re after proper Pauillac without the first-growth price tag, this is a gem. It’s got all the structure and cassis-laced charm you’d expect from a smart claret, but it’s approachable, polished, and really well made. One to decant and savour with good food and even better company.”

Producer Info

Maison Sichel is a Bordeaux négociant with a solid reputation and deep roots in the region. Family-run since 1883, the Sichel name is behind several excellent properties (including the legendary Château Palmer, in partnership). Their Pauillac 2022 comes from carefully selected parcels within the appellation – think gravel-rich soils, Cabernet-led blends, and traditional Médoc savoir-faire.

How it’s made:

• Grape blend: Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and a touch of Petit Verdot
• Vinification: Traditional Bordeaux methods with modern precision – gentle extraction, temperature-controlled fermentation
• Ageing: Aged in French oak barrels for finesse, texture and subtle spice

What that means in the glass is you get the classic Pauillac structure and complexity – powerful yet refined – but with the added polish of a ripe vintage and attentive winemaking.