Château Haut-Marbuzet Saint-Estèphe 2018

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

A magnificent structure, noble oak aromas, remarkable freshness despite its extraordinary level of ripeness, and a superb texture—this wine rivals even the finest Grand Crus Classés in a triumphant vintage for the appellation.

About the estate:

This world-renowned wine is produced in Marbuzet, a hillside facing the Gironde River. Its vineyards are situated halfway between Cos d’Estournel and Montrose. Henri Dubosq, a leading figure in the Médoc, has been crafting the estate’s wines with great success since 1982. In 2006, he partnered with Michelin-starred chef Philippe Jorand to enhance the 13 hectares of Château Layauga-Duboscq, situated on prime terroirs around Gaillan and Queyrac. The wines of Haut-Marbuzet have always been full-bodied, combining roundness and richness, with excellent aging potential. Haut-Marbuzet is truly a must-visit estate within the appellation.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

The 2018 Haut-Marbuzet displays a medium-to-deep garnet-purple color and opens with notes of mocha, black olives, wild sage, and tree bark, with a core of stewed black plums and blackcurrant, as well as a hint of crushed black pepper. The medium- to full-bodied palate features ripe, grainy tannins and a bold freshness that supports the powerful black fruit flavors, finishing with a long, savory finish. Give it another year or two in the bottle and enjoy it within the next 15 years.

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

About the wine:

The 2018 vintage is even more spectacular than the 2017, with a more intense mid-palate and that same lovely freshness on the finish.

About the estate:

No other Bordeaux estate can claim to have 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 these wines have long been considered charming in their youth (which they undeniably are), yet limited in terms of aging potential, one must taste the mature vintages of this Saint-Estèphe estate to understand that its terroir is above all capable of producing wines that age beautifully. The old Merlot vines planted on blue clay lend Haut-Marbuzet’s bouquet superb truffle notes reminiscent of certain old Pomerols. Like many others, the estate experienced a slight dip in form at the start of the 2000s, but its strong comeback in recent years makes it more indispensable than ever in the cellar of any wine lover.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

92–94. Barrel sample. Ripe, spicy, and with a firm structure to support it, this wine is brimming with acidity and vibrant blackcurrant flavors. This well-crafted wine will certainly age well.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Aromas of crushed strawberries, redcurrants, and blackberries, with hints of spice, vanilla, and flowers. Full-bodied with firm, polished tannins that really come into their own on the palate. A silky texture with pleasant acidity, leading to a bright, fruity finish with superb length. A fantastic Haut-Marbuzet. The best in years. Try after 2025.