Château Haut-Marbuzet 2017

An old-school St-Estèphe from the Duboscq family, showing well-extracted black fruits, cassis and bilberry, but the acidity is thrown a little off-balance through the mid-palate. The wines here are always on the firm side, with tannins that need a bit of bottle ageing to tame, and this is no exception, but the austerity of the vintage lessens some of its charm.

The 2017 Haut-Marbuzet has a very perfumed bouquet with redcurrant, blackberry and light floral aromas, all enticingly pure, albeit without the complexity of some of the best vintages that I have tasted from this Saint-Estèphe cru. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity with good density and grip towards the black pepper tinged finish. Excellent and a wine that is in the mold of previous vintages.

Medium-bodied, fresh, bright, and aromatic, leaning into floral, tobacco, espresso, and currant notes; you can enjoy this now and for at least another 15 years with ease. Drink from 2022–2037.

Deep dark ruby, with purple reflections and a delicate bright rim. Lovely plum fruit, blackberry confit, a discreet herbal savoriness, a fine hint of oak, and orange zest. Juicy, elegant, fresh structure, well-integrated tannins, and ripe cherry. Long finish with minerality and elegance, and certain ageing potential.

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, then 5% Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. 40 hl/ha. Dark garnet with a purple rim. Airy wild berries and violet, followed by tobacco-like spice and plenty of cassis blossom. On the palate, the wine shows great suppleness and power, displaying delicate muscle. A classic Haut-Marbuzet that has found its path.

Kunz barrel sample 18: (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, 40 hl/ha) Fresh, velvety bouquet, cassis, black cherries, delicate redcurrant, vanilla, subtle toasted notes. Classic, aromatic palate with fine, sandy tannins, good fruit, muscular structure, powerful aromatics, long, fresh finish.

(50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, 40 hl/ha) Fresh, velvety bouquet, cassis, black cherries, subtle redcurrant notes, vanilla, delicate toasted notes. Classic, aromatic palate with finely sandy tannins, good fruit, muscular structure, powerful aromatics, long, fresh finish. 17/20 2025 - 2042

The 2017 Haut-Marbuzet is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It gives up classic scents of cassis and warm plums, followed by hints of cedar, dried herbs, and tilled soil. Medium-bodied, the palate features a lively backbone and firm, grainy tannins to support the muscular fruit, finishing with an herbal lift.

The 2017 has lost none of its charm or its caressing touch. A Haut-Marbuzet perfectly on point, suave and devilishly refined. It will be hard to resist.

Juicy, fruity wine, ample and sapid, with a silky palate, beautiful acid structure, round and crunchy tannins, long finish.

Beautiful freshness on the bouquet of Haut-Marbuzet, where black berries and refreshing nuances are in perfect harmony. The palate follows the bouquet’s lead; it is juicy, inviting, and fresh. Good aromatic expression, ideally supported by the structure. The tannins are elegant, perfectly integrated, and provide solid support. A very refined St-Estèphe. Bravo.

Dark, intense color with slight evolution. Moderately aromatic nose, fruity and lightly spicy. Lovely palate with a caressing feel and an airy body, developing rich flavors and leading to a beautiful, melt-in-the-mouth finish. It’s impossible to spit out.

The nose is fruity, elegant, and offers refined power, a touch of richness, and concentration. It reveals notes of blackberry, ripe blackcurrant and, more subtly, gariguette strawberry, combined with fine hints of violet and a subtle touch of spices. The palate is fresh, fruity, balanced, and offers a fine, tangy structure. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of juicy/fleshy blackberry, fleshy/juicy raspberry and, more subtly, blackcurrant, combined with fine hints of violet, racy gravel, and delicate touches of graphite.

90–92. Barrel Sample. Packed with tannins, this is a classic from Saint-Estèphe. With a firm structure and attractive black fruits, this shows the potential to be a fine balanced wine from 2023.

The 2017 Haut-Marbuzet is medium to deep garnet-purple in color, with a nose of baked red and black currants, kirsch and cedar, along with hints of dried herbs and earth. The palate is medium-bodied, chewy, lean, and finishes short.