Haut Marbuzet 2011

[JonathanP]

At a local Bistro. Engaging nose, thick, fruity and well balanced. Tannins softening but still pronounced. Too young for me, really, but the wife enjoyed it.

[JimHow]

Has anyone on this site ever been enthused by Haut Marbuzet?

[Chateau Vin]

Have had 2003 and loved it. I have 3 bottles of 2005 currently in my cellar

[AKR]

I've loved the 2003 as well, and still have some left.

The owners make it in their own Duboscq style, rather than a typical St Estephe.

Other vintages are solid enough.

It's kind of reverse QPR to me.

[JonathanP]

Certainly I would not have pegged it as a St Estephe. Not an "elegant" style of wine.

[JimHow]

How is Calon Segur in 2011?

[Racer Chris]

Has anyone on this site ever been enthused by Haut Marbuzet?

The '88 and '89 I had in 2015 were quite nice.

[Rudi Finkler]

Indeed, the 2003 is fantastic, as well as the 2007 I had a few months ago. Since the late seventies, Haut-Marbuzet is one of my favorite non classified growths from Médoc - along with Sociando Mallet, Clos du Marquis, Poujeaux, Pibran, Charmail, D'Agassac, and Château Marbuzet. I love the elegant, unconventional, opulent, earthy character of their wines.

[JonathanP]

Rude, I would agree with your use of earthy and opulent, but not elegant. Also, I would suggest it needs time.

[AKR]

Indeed, the 2003 is fantastic, as well as the 2007 I had a few months ago. Since the late seventies, Haut-Marbuzet is one of my favorite non classified growths from Médoc - along with Sociando Mallet, Clos du Marquis, Poujeaux, Pibran, Charmail, D'Agassac, and Château Marbuzet. I love the elegant, unconventional, opulent, earthy character of their wines.

What are the old Charmail's like? I don't think I've had anything before 96. Never even seen the old ones.

Old Sociando Mallets in the US go for much more money than one would expect.

[winodiver]

I've had the 1998 twice. Once in 2001 when it was quite good but not exceptional, and more recently in 2015 when it was really singing. Agree it is not the best QPR out there, though.

[Rudi Finkler]

What are the old Charmail's like? I don't think I've had anything before 96. Never even seen the old ones.

Old Sociando Mallets in the US go for much more money than one would expect.

The pre mid-nineties Charmail's were lighter in style and not made for the long haul. The same holds true for D'Agassac and a few others of my all-time favorites like D´Issan or Domaine de Chevalier for example.