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)
“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.”
Yves Beck (PRIMEUR)
“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)
Jean-Marc Quarin (PRIMEUR)
“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.”
Markus Del Monego (PRIMEUR)
“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)
“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.”
