2023 vintage in Bordeaux

[greatbxfreak]

I have put all the TNs/ratings of bottled 2023 wines I tasted in Bordeaux in October 2025 into the respective chapter (Bordeaux 2023...) on my website.

In addition, I included the recently sampled Seguin and those from Jonathan Maltus, including Teyssier, Laforge, Mazerat, and Le Dôme, which I tasted in Copenhagen. All of these wines lived up to, or slightly exceeded, the superb expectations set during the barrel tastings.

I expect to receive wines from L'Eglise Clinet and Léoville Poyferré in the coming weeks.

For me, 2023 remains a beautiful and graceful vintage, sharing several characteristics with 2016.

Several wine writers have visited Bordeaux this month to taste the 2023s, and I’m curious to hear their thoughts. However, their reviews will be behind a paywall.

[Comte Flaneur]

I have put all the TNs/ratings of bottled 2023 wines I tasted in Bordeaux in October 2025 into the respective chapter (Bordeaux 2023...) on my website.

In addition, I included the recently sampled Seguin and those from Jonathan Maltus, including Teyssier, Laforge, Mazerat, and Le Dôme, which I tasted in Copenhagen. All of these wines lived up to, or slightly exceeded, the superb expectations set during the barrel tastings.

I expect to receive wines from L'Eglise Clinet and Léoville Poyferré in the coming weeks.

For me, 2023 remains a beautiful and graceful vintage, sharing several characteristics with 2016.

Several wine writers have visited Bordeaux this month to taste the 2023s, and I’m curious to hear their thoughts. However, their reviews will be behind a paywall.

Izak based on one evening of sampling about 50 wines - much less than you and Alex - I was somewhat disappointed and underwhelmed by what I tasted in this vintage vis a vis my high expectations. It is a vintage that I expected and wanted to love but I didn’t.

[greatbxfreak]

Ian,

I respect your opinion, but I have a different perspective.

I've tasted over 350 barrel samples of the 2023 vintage, and I can say that the bottles I've recently sampled did not disappoint; in fact, I found them as impressive as the barrel samples.

I plan to taste more 2023 wines at the end of February 2026 and during primeur week in Bordeaux in April 2026.

As I mentioned in my previous post, no other wine critics have published their tasting notes yet. Several of them have visited Bordeaux recently. It will be interesting to see if I find any confirmation of my enthusiasm for the 2023 vintage among their tasting notes.

[JoelD]

Izak,

What would you say it is about the 2023 vintage that gives you enthusiasm?

Also how does it compare and contrast to other recent vintages such as 2019, 2020 and 2022?

[greatbxfreak]

JoelD,

1. 2023 has for me the tenderness of 2019, the grace and elegance of 2016, and the tannins of 2020. It has an ideally balanced acidity, which makes you want to come back for more.

2. 2023 is different than 2022; the latter is more concentrated, sunnier, has a different kind of flavor, and is longer on the palate. Saying that, 2023 wines on the Right Bank can challenge their 2022 counterparts. You find a crystalline tannin in many wines. I am worried about some 2022s on the Left Bank after bottling that display a dry sensation at the back palate, and I wonder whether it is due to ingredients not yet melting together or to over-maceration. 2023s do not have this dry sensation.

[JoelD]

Thanks, Izak. I still haven't tried any 2023's yet but will next month.

I agree with your worry about some of the 2022 left banks and I'm not as high on the vintage as some others seem to be. I am a fan of 2019 and 2020, with the latter possibly being my favorite vintage since 2016.

[greatbxfreak]

How many of you know the Swiss wine critic Yves Beck? I have known him for over 20 years. He is a very reliable.

He has just published an article featuring 977 tasting notes for the 2023 vintage, and I purchased it for 19 Swiss francs.

It's great to see that he shares my admiration for this vintage, and we agree on several wines we've both tasted.

Additionally, there's a post on the Wine Berserkers blog from a German wine enthusiast discussing tastings of the 2023 vintage at the UGCB event in Zurich. This article somewhat contradicts Ian's views on wine and vintage.

Anyone has a subscription to The Wine Independent? Just to mention that Chris Kissack (The Wine Doctor) is not a part of it anymore.

[JoelD]

I'll be tasting some 2023's next month and will report back with my findings. This should be a fun tasting that the new Berry Brother's DC location is putting on.

Château Pichon Lalande: 2023 & 2015 with Florent Genty
Reserve de la Comtesse 2016 with Florent Genty
Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste: 2023 & 2005 with Emeline Borie
Château Larcis Ducasse: 2023 & 2019 with David Suire
Château Laroque: 2023 & 2020 with David Suire
Château Lynch-Bages: 2023 & 2004 with Pierre Louis Araud
Château Ormes de Pez: 2023 & 2005 with Pierre Louis Araud
Château Haut Batailley: 2023 & 2010 with Pierre Louis Araud
Château Leoville Barton: 2023 & 2009 with Lilian Barton-Sartorius
Château Langoa Barton: 2023 & 2001 with Lilian Barton-Sartorius
Château Giscours: 2023 & 2010 with Pauline Wlodarzyck
Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion: 2023 & 2019 with Guillaume Pouthier

[greatbxfreak]

ComteFlaneur,

A somewhat different view on the London tasting than yours!

https://www.frw.co.uk/editorial/ugcb-in ... deaux-2023

Please note the mention of 2016 vintage from producers.

I stand firmly and 100% on my analysis of the 2023 vintage!

Just tasted at home a fantastic lineup of six wines from L'Eglise Clinet: Saintayme, La Chenade. Les Cruzelles, Montlandrie, La Petite Église et L'Église Clinet. All of them are fully on par with their 2022 vintage counterparts, or even a tad more subtle. L'Église Clinet is a 100-point wine and a future legend!

[Comte Flaneur]

ComteFlaneur,

A somewhat different view on the London tasting than yours!

https://www.frw.co.uk/editorial/ugcb-in ... deaux-2023

Please note the mention of 2016 vintage from producers.

I stand firmly and 100% on my analysis of the 2023 vintage!

Just tasted at home a fantastic lineup of six wines from L'Eglise Clinet: Saintayme, La Chenade. Les Cruzelles, Montlandrie, La Petite Église et L'Église Clinet. All of them are fully on par with their 2022 vintage counterparts, or even a tad more subtle. L'Église Clinet is a 100-point wine and a future legend!

Not at all Izak...this report was from Fine & Rare wines who put on the tasting and who are also trying to sell the wines. The report reads pretty mixed to me with plenty of qualifications and some misgivings. For example "Left Bank estates were more varied, producing both classic structured wines and some leaner examples." If the vintage really was on a par with 2016 as you claim the description of the vintage would be much more gushing and much less qualified. I think you misread what the producers said - they said that 2022 and 2016 were the standouts of recent vintages. They are not making comparisons between 2016 and 2023, or with the 2022 vintage. So I stand by what I wrote, in essence - based on what I tasted - a good vintage but not a great one. And as your German friend on WB noted a vintage with more in common with 2012 than 2016.

[DavidG]

I haven’t seen anyone claiming 2023 is like 2016. I’m too old for 2023s anyway.

[greatbxfreak]

Ian,

It's funny to see the manipulation of my view on the vintage 2023.

Dare you to say that future tasting of 2023s organized by Farr Vintners will also be focused on getting the shelves with wines empty asap?

I have never said 2023 is like 2016; I only said that both vintages share some characteristics, like grace and tannin. You are twisting my words.

2023 is so much more complex and sophisticated than 2012, in my opinion. Jürgen is not a friend of mine.

Let's see what the big guns among wine critics, like Jeff Leve, Jane Anson, Neal Martin, Antonio Galloni, and Chris Kissack, have to say about it. I guess Decanter and The Wine Advocate will share their views soon.

I advise you to write Yves Beck's report on approximately 1.000 wines from the 2023 vintage. I am in full agreement with him. An electronic version costs only 19 Swiss francs and can be obtained by email.

[Comte Flaneur]

"I have never said 2023 is like 2016; I only said that both vintages share some characteristics, like grace and tannin. You are twisting my words."

But what you did do Izak, by making references to the 2016 in your commentary on the 2023s, was at least to imply that the vintages are qualitatively comparable, and then you doubled down by falsely claiming that producers in the F&R report were making similar comparisons between the two vintages when they were doing nothing of the kind. They were - quite rightly in my opinion - singling out the 2016 and 2022 vintages as two of the outstanding vintages of the last decade.

This is not to suggest that 2023 is not a good vintage - I think it is a good vintage - but it is to suggest that it is not in the same league as 2016 and 2022. That was abundantly clear to me quite early on in the tasting I attended, as some of the wines tasted laboured. A hallmark of a really great vintage tends to be that it is quite easy on the producer in terms of his task in translating a great growing seasons into something great in the bottle, but in 2023 they had their work cut out.

An accurate description of the 2023 vintage - which has been used in various places is that it is a 'winemaker's vintage' - in that a lot of hard world, dedication and skill went into making these wines, which are not effortlessly brilliant like 2016 and 2022. Which is not to claim that a hot vintage like 2022 was not without its challenges, but those challenges were perhaps more easily dealt with, because of the hand that nature dealt.

[greatbxfreak]

Ian,

Your post once again demonstrates how much you dislike my work. Thank you for the "compliment" with your use of the word "falsely."

You continue to twist my words, which I find quite frustrating.

By the way, when you say 2023 vintage is "laboured," what you really mean is "forced." Which, in my opinion, is a wrong description. Aside from occasional outbreaks of mildew in the spring, there were no significant problems with diseases in the vineyard, and therefore, no extra vinification steps were necessary. The harvest was quite straightforward.

Negativity is harmful, but a lack of respect is equally annoying.

[Comte Flaneur]

Ian,

Your post once again demonstrates how much you dislike my work. Thank you for the "compliment" with your use of the word "falsely."

You continue to twist my words, which I find quite frustrating.

By the way, when you say 2023 vintage is "laboured," what you really mean is "forced." Which, in my opinion, is a wrong description. Aside from occasional outbreaks of mildew in the spring, there were no significant problems with diseases in the vineyard, and therefore, no extra vinification steps were necessary. The harvest was quite straightforward.

Negativity is harmful, but a lack of respect is equally annoying.

I don’t dislike your work Izak, and I have praised your reports on here several times over the years. What I dislike is your intellectual dishonesty, and your abrasive manner, and I don’t think it is just a language thing. If you try deliberately to mislead as you did on the F&R article then you deserve to be called out. No I meant what I said by laboured. Stop trying to gaslight me. Relatedly credible sources I have read report that 2023 was anything but a straightforward vintage with a particularly complicated and stressful growing seasons, and if you want I can quote various winemakers. If the vintage was as straightforward as you claim then the end result is pretty disappointing.

It is a bit rich of you to accuse me obliquely of lacking respect. That is a case of the pot calling the kettle black. First of all you have to earn respect. And don’t earn respect by attacking people in an abrasive manner who have a different opinion to yours, as you have been doing incessantly for years on this board Izak. But we still indulge you, and you should be grateful for that. I am on not negative on this vintage as you imply. As I said several times I think it is a good vintage, but I didn’t have to taste 50 wines to figure out that it is not in the same league as 2022 as you have been implying all along.

I am objective. I have no axes to grind. I don’t need to compete against other critics to dole out the highest scores, and I don’t need to suck up to, and curry favour with, producers to get invited back. I think Neal Martin became persona non grata at Pontet Canet for a while, and Parker-Rovani famously were disinvited from some burgundy estates. I would like to see more of that rather than all the sycophantic brown nosing that goes on. It is unedifying to watch. Many critics now are not really doing their consumers a service anymore.

I sometimes read critics notes but I don’t subscribe to any and pay no attention to scores which have become a bit of a joke. I pay a lot more attention to what people on here and on the UK wine board have to say and who are not in the business. When they rate a wine 95 points I really stand up and take notice. But for many critics it seems that 95 points is the starting point.

Edit: this was my original post back in November, make of it what you will

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=11365&p=119837&hilit=2023#p119837

[greatbxfreak]

Ian,

I am standing firm on what I think about 2023 vintage.

I don't subscribe to any other wine critics, but I purchased Yves Beck's report on 2023 to compare his TNs to mine. I trust my TNs.

2023s have been bottled for the majority of the wines during May-July 2025.

I tasted the lineup from Leoville Poyferre last week with Le Crock, Moulin Riche, and Leoville Poyferre in vintage 2023. Splendid quality for Grand Vins and even for their second wines. Relaxed, subtle, and balanced wines without excessive tannins and with freshness and lively acidity. In contrast to flashy and very concentrated 2022s.

[Comte Flaneur]

“I am standing firm on what I think about 2023 vintage”

And you should Izak. I am not challenging your view but just presenting a slightly different take on the vintage to you. I have said along I think it is good vintage but argued it is not a trophy vintage. It is clearly a better vintage than 2021 and 2024, but not quite up there with 2020 or 2022. It was a vintage that I had a very good vibe on going into the tasting so very high expectations. Neither of our views on the vintage are out of the mainstream or controversial and we are probably closer on this than perhaps you imagine. Above all I respect your opinion on the vintage, I just ask you to respect mine.

[greatbxfreak]

Ian,

Ok, that's the deal.

[greatbxfreak]

https://www.jamessuckling.com/wine-tast ... 4127931432

Exactly my thoughts!

[JimHow]

Mmm, a reappearance of 1980s-style Bordeaux? Hmmm...

[Claudius2]

Guys
I find Sucklings article to be interesting but somewhat confusing.
He mentions 1982 twice in different styles, and I always found 80s right bank wines to be cool rather than warm.

Thinking back to the 80s now, the wines were generally more supple, lower in alcohol and with less density I see in modern times, particularly 2020 and 2022. Though I do have to say that both of those recent vintages showed very well when young.

[KevinH]

I’ve not yet tasted any 2023s so don’t have an opinion on them.

There was a pretty positive article and selected set of notes on the vintage in this month’s Decanter. Makes me think that a few of the more early maturing chateau (for my age reasons), especially from Margaux and southern Haut Medoc, ie Cantemerle, might be worth getting for drinking in the early/mid 2030s.

[Comte Flaneur]

Neal Martin described the 2023 vintage as ‘second tier’ - i.e., a rung below first tier vintages like 2016 and 2022 - but a ‘highly respectable’ vintage. I think that is pretty spot on.

[greatbxfreak]

On the last day of February, I tasted over 30 wines from this vintage in Copenhagen. I had previously rated these wines highly based on barrel samples, so I had the opportunity to taste them again to verify my initial impressions. Overall, my assessment held true, although there were a few disappointments.

My main points to remember from this tasting:

1. The wines from Saint-Émilion, including Ausone (99-100p), Beauséjour (99p), Bélair Monange (98p), Canon (98p), Cheval Blanc (99p), Rocheyron (95p), and Troplong Mondot (97p), were outstanding. Each wine displayed elegance, finesse, outstanding complexity, silky tannins, and a fresh, vibrant acidity. The limestones delivered a great minerality (salinity) touch to these wines! Berliquet (93p) and Moulin St. Georges (92+p) were truly fine wines to taste as well.

2. I tasted five Pomerols, but my impressions differed for two of them. L’Évangile (NR) and Vieux Château Certan (NR) did not live up to the expectations I had experienced during barrel tastings. In my opinion, they felt somewhat bland and lacked tension. Perhaps both wines need more time to recover after bottling, or there is another explanation. I plan to retaste them in the future. In contrast, the wines from J.P. Moueix's portfolio, Latour-à-Pomerol (92-93p) and Lafleur-Pétrus (97+p), showed greater freshness, tension, and complexity. La Conseillante (97+p) also impressed with its elegance and finesse.

3. I tasted Tournefouille from Lalande-de-Pomerol, which offered two cuvées: the standard version (92p) and a special cuvée called La Cure (93p), sourced from the best plot at the top of the vineyard. The latter was particularly well-made.

4. I enjoyed three First Growths: Lafite (99p), Château Margaux (99-100p), and Mouton Rothschild (99p). They were just as stunning as I remembered them from my visit to the respective properties in October 2025.

5. Margaux commune performed exceptionally well in 2023, and the wines met the expectations I had based on barrel tastings. Palmer (98p) stood out as excellent, alongside the finesse-laden Rauzan-Ségla (96+p). Durfort-Vivens (93p) tasted for the first time, was fragrant with finesse and silky tannins. Segla (91p), the second wine of R. Segla, was attractive and tasty.

6. From Saint-Julien, I tasted Ducru Beaucaillou, Gruaud Larose, Langoa Barton, Léoville Barton, and Léoville Lascases. Ducru Beaucaillou (NR) was surprisingly lean, suggesting it hasn’t fully recovered from bottling. Maybe there is another explanation; who knows? I’ll want to retaste it at the first opportunity. In contrast, Léoville Lascases (98p) showcased great complexity, vibrancy, and splendid acidity. Gruaud Larose (95p) was just as fine as I experienced during my visit in October 2025. Both Langoa Barton (94p) and Léoville Barton (96p) truly embodied the classic, cool Saint-Julien style and lived up to the promises made in barrel tastings.

7. I had no complaints about the wines from Pauillac, as both Pichon Comtesse (99p) and Pichon Baron (98p) were simply excellent, and all the impressive qualities noted from barrel tastings were fully realized in the bottle. Duhart Milon (93p) also tasted splendidly.

8. From Saint-Estèphe, I tasted Cos Labory, Pagodes de Cos (92p), and Cos d’Estournel (98p), all of which displayed the same fine qualities I noted during my October 2025 tasting at Cos d’Estournel. De Pez (92p) was quite an enjoyable wine to taste.

9. Finally, I tasted Carmes Haut-Brion (97+p) and Domaine de Chevalier (97p) from Pessac-Leognan. Both were splendid wines and white D.D. Chevalier (98p) was stunning. Second wine of Domaine de Chevalier, L’Esprit de Chevalier, is an excellent value for money, both in red (92p) and white (93p). It’s the best white L’Esprit de Chevalier I have ever tasted.

Second tier, second tier, Neal Martin says 2023 vintage is. In my opinion, it is not on the Right Bank. On the contrary. Josephine DL told me he rated her 2023 95p.

[KevinH]

I may look out for some Segla. Anything else, second wine or otherwise, to drink over the next 20 years I should be looking out for from this vintage? From what I’ve read the style sound a bit more dialled back than 22 or 18 so is just the sort of thing I like.

[Comte Flaneur]

I may look out for some Segla. Anything else, second wine or otherwise, to drink over the next 20 years I should be looking out for from this vintage? From what I’ve read the style sound a bit more dialled back than 22 or 18 so is just the sort of thing I like.

Kevin Cantemerle I thought was brilliant based on the sample I tried but also - a dark horse here - La Croix de Gay - am seriously considering buying some of the latter for early drinking

[JimHow]

I've been a Cantemerle fan for quite a while.
I think the bug of buying new release Bordeaux vintages has finally hit an end with the 2020 vintage, but based on Izak and Comte and other opinions on the 2023 Cantemerle, looks like I'm in for a case. Now if the 2023 Lafite will just hit the retail inventory at those $375 prices....

[KevinH]

Sound like some good options. I generally stopped buying EP with the 2015 vintage but have been picking up bits and pieces of 16 and 19 since. I think I will follow with 20 and 23. Whereas 18 and 22 I’m mainly looking at petit chateau for early consumption in the first decade while full of ripe fruit.

I have a good clutch of recent vintage Cantemerle so will add to that.

I’m at a Cantemerle dinner in London tomorrow with lots of vintages from 2001-12 era and a few older ones. I’m taking a bottle of 1953 and a magnum of 1983. I’ll post notes on them later in the week.

[greatbxfreak]

2023 Cantemerle is definitely a steal for the money.

I've yet to taste it after bottling, but my impressions from four barrel tastings have been consistent and positive.

At the same tasting in Copenhagen, there was a wine bar where I chose to buy 5 cl of both Chateau Margaux 1983 and Lynch Bages 1983. The first-mentioned was still vibrant with silkiness, elegance, and finesse. Truffles, cedar, and leather tones. Aristocratic and rich. Long and exciting finish. Totally impressive stuff. 97-98p. Lynch Bages 1983 had a wonderful, mature nose with truffle and tertiary aromas like leather and graphite, and was well-structured and lively, with a fine midpalate and persistent finish. 94p. This property made some excellent wines in the ´80s!

[Nicklasss]

Just received my last Decanter magazine on 2023 Bordeaux. Georgina Hindle is very positive aboutcthe vintage. Seems like these wines will drink well early in their life, but can hold age too.

Looking forward to taste them!

[greatbxfreak]

Niclasss,

So it is not only me on the positive list.

May I ask about the rating concerning Beausejour St.E. PGCC.

Do you, btw, have a subscription to The Wine Independent?

[JimHow]

I’m intrigued by the 2023 vintage, largely because of Izak’s notes.

[greatbxfreak]

George Hindle from Decanter about 2023 vintage:

https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews-t ... e-reviews/

I completely agree with her summary for this vintage. I don’t have a subscription, so I am unable to access the tasting notes and ratings.

[DavidG]

I’m not even seeing the vintage summary at that Decanter link.

Izak, what would you say is the drinking window for ‘23 Cantemerle? (Am I really crazy enough to buy 2023 Bordeaux at my age?)

Who writes for The Wine Independent now? Lisa Perotti-Brown didn't seem to last long there. Does she have her own newsletter now?

[Nicklasss]

Izak already have raised my interest for the vintage. I bought very low quantity of bottles but will stay aware to buy a few more.

Georgie Hindle of Decanter is very positive about 2023 as well.

Izak, Château Beauséjour is rated 97-98 on that vintage.

[greatbxfreak]

DavidG,

Cantemerle 2023 - I would say it can keep for at least 15 more years, meaning 2031.

Lisa Perrotti Brown left TWI in the summer last year and created The Wine Palate. TWI is run by a Swedish guy, Johan Berglund, who created it together with LPB. A Danish wine collector, Ivar Bjurner, contributes several articles to TWI.

Actually, there is a summary of the 2023 vintage when you open the Decanter link.

[DavidG]

Thanks Izak, and yes I see the vintage summary is there, but I’ve let my Decanter subscription (actually all my wine critic subscriptions) lapse.

[greatbxfreak]

DavidG,

I meant 2041, not 2031, for Cantemerle 2023.

[DavidG]

Thanks for this Izak. That may be beyond my best by date.

[stefan]

I sympathize, David. I also don't mess with wines for drinking past my mid 90s. For younger Bdx that will be approachable before then I am looking at 2021s. In general, I like wines from lighter vintages when the wines are true. They are easier for me to handle at lunch and generally go better with what I eat midday.