The 2019 Haut-Marbuzet is fabulous. In fact, the 2019 is one of the best recent vintages I can remember tasting. There is an energy to the 2019, a feeling of vibrancy, that is compelling. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, mint, chalk and blood orange are lifted by bright acids and veins of tannin that need time to fully integrate. The 2019 is seriously impressive, to say the least.

The 2019 Haut-Marbuzet has turned out very nicely indeed, offering up a deep bouquet of berry fruit, loamy soil, forest floor and spices. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and layered, it's deep and concentrated, with a fleshy core of fruit that's framed by ripe, powdery tannins and succulent acids. Already persuasively seamless and integrated, and much less marked by its new oak than was the case for this château a decade ago, this is well worth seeking out.

The 2019 Haut-Marbuzet has a dense blackberry and bilberry scented nose with touches of brine evoking images of the Gironde estuary. This is not as flamboyant as previous vintages, tight and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, fresh and crisp with superb delineation on the finish. This is a sophisticated Haut-Marbuzet, poised and persistent with a mineral aftertaste. Superb. Tasted twice with consistent notes.

Tasted blind. Looks quite evolved. Fresh, perky, energetic nose. Dense and rich and much riper than the average Médoc. Good effort, with no shortage of tannin underneath. A promising package! Even if a tad chunky in terms of tannins. (JR)