2023 Château La Marzelle
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé
The origin
- Vineyard
- 14.95 ha of adjoining land
- Grape varieties
- 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, % Cabernet Sauvignon
- Density
- 5 700 à 7 150 vines/ha
- Âge moyen
- 40 years
- Production
- 55 000
- Situation
- Upper terrace of Saint-Emilion formed by the former Isle riverbed
- Pruning
- Bordelaise method (2 canes per vine)
- Alcohol
- 14%
After a winter that was close to the norm, colder than average from mid-January to mid- March and sufficiently wet in Bordeaux, the vines began to bud on schedule in the last few days of March.
Spring was then warmer than average overall, and flowering took place in summer conditions that were particularly favourable to ripening.
Despite a moderate amount of rainfall between early April and mid-June, the mild temperatures, especially at night, and very high humidity meant that downy mildew pressure was extremely high, and thanks to meticulous monitoring of the vineyards, flawless organic and biodynamic practices and a responsive approach to the work, the damage caused by downy mildew was very low.
Veraison began early, around 12 July. It progressed in a context of moderate water constraints, without excessive heat, and mid-veraison was reached a little earlier than in 2022. August and September were hot and dry, favouring fine ripening of the tannins and a lovely aromatic freshness.
The harvest began on September 14 and lasted 4 weeks, ending on 04 October.
Gentle, respectful vinification, in stainless steel tanks or in barrels, produces well-balanced wines with silky, elegant tannins expressing the aromatic fruit supported by the necessary tension. The wine is matured in new French oak barrels but also, to preserve the fruit, in jars of terra cotta.
Reviews
James Suckling (PRIMEUR)
93-94
“Plenty of crunchy blackberry fruit with salt and chocolate. Medium body with an attractive center-palate and a juicy finish. I like the salty note at the end.”
FORBES - Tom Mullen (PRIMEUR)
96+
“This 80/13/7 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon includes husky aromas of oranges, red brick, leather, blue fruit, figs, roasted chestnuts, slight mint and a red cherry explosion. A lusciously integrated package of aromas and coherent and deep flavors partially originate from a vein of blue clay. Coherent flavors of concentrated black and blue fruit and ripe red cherries, raspberries, biltong. Complex and well integrated with elegant tannins, shining juicy acidity with slight orange flavor that tingles on the finish as well as mocha, licorice and spices. Tannins envelope the flavors with a taut structure. Unusually delicious. Pair with pumpkin pie or a hearty goulash.”
Maître de Cave (PRIMEUR)
96
“5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc L'aspect est brillant avec une robe aubergine profonde et sombre. Le nez est complexe et sophisqué avec des notes intenses de mûre et de bleuet, de thym séché, de graphite et de chêne richement grillé. On retrouve de la complexité en bouche avec des parfums de pétale de rose, de mûre fraîche et intense et de cassis. La bouche se termine longuement et bien équilibrée avec des touches de graphite, de café, de thé noir et d'herbes séchées. Ce vin se montre bien chaque année, mais cee année il s'est montré plus complexe et délicieux que nous ne l'avons jamais goûté.”
Colin Hay (PRIMEUR)
92-94+
“La Marzelle (Saint Émilion; 80% Merlot; 15% Cabernet Franc; 5% Cabernet Sauvignon; 14% alcohol). A property on a steep upward trajectory, confirmed by the quality of this wine. Saline. Pure, crystalline in and through the mid-palate and with an elegance and sauvété (a French word that seems utterly appropriate here) that it never had before. Tight and with an impressive well-defined frame, nicely charged with fresh croquant dark berry fruit, above all wild blueberry and black currant. A little note of incense that I really like. Dynamic and energetic. Dark chocolate. The wood actually needs a little time to integrate, but that’s just a matter of time, so compact is the core of dark stone and berry fruit here. There’s a lovely hint the cedary notes to come and a little rose petal with aeration. Excellent. There’s a glass ceiling (or at least a barrier) in St Emilion in this vintage – this is above it. Very sapid and pure on the finish. A very fine and long, linear finish.”
Yves Beck (PRIMEUR)
94-95
“La Marzelle se caractérise par sa délicatesse et ses nombreuses facettes. Ainsi, de nombreux éléments se valorisés, sans que l'un domine l'autre. D'agréables nuances de sureau et de cassis créent la symbiose avec des épices douces, de nuances de chocolat et une touche de garrigues. Crémeux en attaque, le vin est linéaire et précis. Ses tannins se révèlent lentement, après le milieu de bouche et offrent un excellent support à l'ensemble du palais, communément avec l'acidité qui souligne la fraîcheur de la finale. Une belle réussite!”
Alexandre Ma (PRIMEUR)
92-94
Bernard Burtschy (PRIMEUR)
93-94
Vert de Vin (PRIMEUR)
93-94
Jean-Marc Quarin (PRIMEUR)
16.75 / 93
“Couleur noire. Nez intense, fin, fruité, pur. Touches de fruits noirs sur un joli fond de bois. Charnu en entrée de bouche, très parfumé au milieu, avec des accents aromatiques évoquant les Graves, le vin avance sur un déroulé très uni, vers une finale fraîche, longue et très savoureuse, à la tannicité enveloppée. C'est très bon.”
Be my Bordeaux - PRIMEUR
92-94
“Ruby, blackberries, anise, dark fruits, blueberries, fruit forward, nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, juicy, detailed, minerals, refined texture.”
La Tulipe Rouge (PRIMEUR)
94
Bettane & Desseauve (PRIMEUR)
92-93, COUP DE COEUR
“Enveloppant, sensuel, délicat et profond, le fruit est vibrant sur les notes de cassis et de myrtille avec une tension finale qui porte bien le vin. Belle réussite”
Markus Del Monego (PRIMEUR)
93+
“Dark purple colour with violet hue and black core. Concentrated and rich nose with aroma reminiscent of ripe blackberries and plums, hints of mulberries and sloe in the background. Dark chocolate and fine oak spices complementing the nose. On the palate well structured and balanced with convincing length.”
Neal Martin (PRIMEUR)
91-93
“The 2023 La Marzelle has an understated bouquet with a subtle marine influence. Hints of oyster shell infuse the red fruit. This has a pleasing vivacity. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins and a fine bead of acidity, quite pure with dark berry fruit laced with white pepper and allspice. This is a lovely Saint-Emilion from La Marzelle that should drink well for a decade and more.”
Adrian Van Velsen (PRIMEUR)
91-93
“Ein Bouquet mit Tiefgang und viel dunkler Frucht, das Holz ist präsent, in der Nase und am Gaumen, steht jedoch in guter Harmonie zur Frucht, saftig, strukturiert, angenehm lang und mit dunkelfruchtigen Rückaromen. Modern, sauber, hohe Qualität. (En Primeur Tasting)”
Sommeliers International (PRIMEUR)
“Château La Marzelle, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, possède un beau jus dense, sanguin et vif. C'est finement équilibré et juteaux.”
Jancis Robinson by Julia Harding (PRIMEUR)
15.5
“80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Mostly in new French oak but the Cab Franc and a bit of the Merlot aged in 300-litre Italian amphorae. Certified organic, practising biodynamic. Cask sample. Deepest crimson with black core. Unusual aroma that has a slight greenness to it, like cassis bud and leaf, even though there is lots of black fruit. Thickly textured, dense, slightly harsh tannins. (JH)”
Rod Smith (PRIMEUR)
92
“Concentrated violet and sweet spices on the nose with some sweet earth-after-rain and dried fruit complexity. Plush black fruits on the palate with great extraction and violet complexity to the red and black cherry flavours. Pronounced but harmonious tannins and good freshness of acidity. This is a terrific, concentrated wine with many layers and some velvet qualities already. Keep for a fair few years after release for optimum enjoyment.”
Izak Litwar (PRIMEUR)
92
“Morello cherries and violets on the nose, expressive and polished on the palate with a good portion of elegance and finesse, velvety texture. It is well-structured, with fine cooperation between ripe fruit and acidity. lingering finish. Fine quality.”
Thomas Boxberger (PRIMEUR)
91-94
Jeff Leve (PRIMEUR)
91-93
“Licorice, black cherries, plums, and chocolate pop in the nose. On the palate, the wine is supple, creamy, and fresh, with layers of dark red berries, cocoa, licorice and spice, leaving you with chocolate-covered, black cherries, and a sprig of mint. Drink from 2027-2040.”
Béatrice Delamotte (PRIMEUR)
91-93
“Les fruits noirs se dévoilent timidement derrière un boisé encore intense mais s'imposent en bouche dans une matière tout en gourmandise et en éclat. Pas encore très en place, mais prometteur.”
