Château Haut-Marbuzet - Saint-Estèphe 2017

Bettane & Desseauve

About wine:

A complete vintage, harmonious, with a texture comparable to the best classified growths and a new harmony, perhaps linked to the presence of a small proportion of remarkable Cabernet Franc from young vines. Tasted at Château Haut-Marbuzet. Drink before 2030.

About the estate:

This world-renowned vintage is located in Marbuzet, on a hillside facing the Gironde. Its vineyard is located halfway between Cos d'Estournel and Montrose. Henri Dubosq, a key figure in the Médoc region, has been making wines on the estate since 1982 with great success. In 2006, he joined forces with Michelin-starred chef Philippe Jorand to enhance the 13 hectares of Château Layauga-Duboscq, located on excellent terroirs around Gaillan and Queyrac. Haut-Marbuzet wines are always well-structured, combining roundness and voluptuousness with great aging potential. Haut-Marbuzet is truly a superb estate and a must-visit in the appellation.

Guide Hachette des vins

About wine:

The Haut-Marbuzet 2017 presents itself with a superb bright ruby color. Fresh red fruits, spices, licorice, and undergrowth—the bouquet is also particularly expressive. Supple and round on the attack, the palate then develops a solid tannic structure that extends the finish and leaves one confident about this wine's potential. 2024-2028

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About wine:

The 2017 vintage has lost none of its charm and smoothness. A perfectly balanced Haut-Marbuzet, smooth and devilishly refined. It will be hard to resist.

About the estate:

No other Bordeaux wine can boast such a devoted community of enthusiasts. For over thirty years, Haut-Marbuzet and its colorful and dynamic owner, Henri Dubosq, now supported by his sons, have won the hearts of discerning wine lovers. While the wines have long been considered charming in their youth (which they undeniably are), but limited in terms of aging potential, one must taste the mature vintages of this Saint-Estèphe wine to understand that its terroir is above all capable of producing wines that age beautifully. The old Merlot vines planted on blue clay give Haut-Marbuzet's bouquet superb truffle notes reminiscent of certain old Pomerols. Like many others, the estate experienced a slight decline in the early 2000s, but its strong comeback in recent years makes it more indispensable than ever in the cellars of wine lovers.

Wine Enthusiast

Vinous

About wine:

Haut-Marbuzet 2017 has a very fragrant bouquet, with aromas of redcurrant, blackberry, and light floral notes. It has an appealing purity, but lacks the complexity of some of the best vintages I have tasted from this Saint-Estèphe estate. The palate is medium-bodied, with supple tannins, finely pearly acidity, good density, and good grip on the black pepper-tinged finish. It is excellent, in line with previous vintages. 2022-2038

James Suckling

Le Figaro vins

About wine:

Juicy, fruity, full-bodied, sappy wine with a silky palate, beautiful acid structure, round and crisp tannins, and a long finish. 2020-2035

Yves Beck

About wine:

The bouquet of Haut-Marbuzet is beautifully fresh, with black berries and refreshing nuances in perfect harmony. The palate is consistent with the bouquet: delicious, inviting, and fresh. Good aromatic expression, ideally supported by the structure. The tannins are elegant, perfectly integrated, and provide good support. A St-Estèphe full of finesse. Well done. 2023-2037

Vert de Vin

About wine:

The nose is fruity, elegant and offers racy power, a little richness and concentration. There are notes of blackberry, ripe blackcurrant and, more subtly, Gariguette strawberry, combined with delicate hints of violet and a subtle touch of spice. The palate is fresh, fruity and balanced, with a delicate, acidic structure. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of juicy/fleshy blackberry, fleshy/juicy raspberry and, more subtly, blackcurrant, combined with delicate hints of violet, racy gravel and subtle hints of graphite.