2023, Château Haut-Marbuzet, SAINT-ESTÈPHE, Cru Bourgeois

Last Year EP $68.00-

Always one of the Médoc's most sensual wines, the 2023 Haut-Marbuzet wafts from the glass with aromas of dark berries, cassis and cherries mingled with cigar wrapper in violets, revealing little trace of its maturation in new barrels. Medium to full-bodied, supple and layered, it's deep and seamless, with an enveloping core of juicy, fleshy fruit framed by sweet, melting tannin. It's a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.
92-94 William Kelley, Wine Advocate.

The 2023 Haut-Marbuzet is terrific. Dark, vibrant and quite virile in its expression, the 2023 Haut-Marbuzet has so much to offer. Plum, blood orange, pomegranate, spice and new leather are some of the notes that leap from the glass. Today, the 2023 is quite primary in its intensity, yet all the elements are very nicely balanced. This is a fine showing.
92-94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.

The 2023 Haut-Marbuzet has a refined bouquet that is more understated than a typical wine from this estate, displaying blackberry, raspberry and light pressed flower scents. An underlying tertiary note surfaces with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and focused, with fine-boned tannins and a pretty, poised finish that conveys a sense of class. Very fine. This may well end up at the top of my banded score.
91-93 Neal Martin.