2018 Chateau Haut-Marbuzet, Saint-Estephe

Vinous 89

The 2018 Haut-Marbuzet has a ripe nose offering layers of brambly red berry fruit, although there is something static about the aromatics; they lack vibrancy. The palate is medium-bodied and tannic, with sappy red berry fruit and a firm backbone. Slightly chalky in texture toward the finish, it just needs more persistence. An atypically austere Haut-Marbuzet; I miss its usual fleshiness and charm. [Neal Martin, 08/03/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2023-2040

Robert Parker 90

The 2018 Haut-Marbuzet has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and open-knit notes of mocha, black olives, wild sage and tree bark over a core of stewed black plums and cassis, plus a waft of cracked black pepper. The medium to full-bodied palate has nice ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness backing up the muscular black fruit flavors, finishing long and savory. Give it another year or two in bottle and drink it over the next 15+ years. [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 14/04/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2023-2038