Hervé Duboscq became the owner of a plot of seven hectares called Château HAUT-MARBUZET in 1952. He resurrected the vineyard and gave rise to a wine of its own style, which immediately charmed many experts. In 1962, his son Henri joined him in order to help him reach the only goal, which is precious to the Duboscqs, the “glory of Haut-Marbuzet”. After buying the neighbouring vineyards, as well as pockets, which were originally the result of the Mac-Carthy’s parcelling out, the vineyard attained an area of 66 hectares in 2005.
At the same time, the Duboscqs bought the chateaux Chambert-Marbuzet, Tour de Marbuzet and Mac-Carthy. All three are crus Bourgeois of Saint-Estephe.
The greater part of the vineyard of Haut-Marbuzet is made up of a gravelly topsoil and a clay-limestone subsoil that contains iron. The Graves wine owes its name to its soil, which contains gravel of various size. The gravel stores the sun’s heat during the day and at nightfall, it emits the heat back to the grapevines. The gravel is deposit from the Gironde river. It forms a series of slightly sloping terraces. The high density of plantation is immediately visible in the vineyards. On average, there are 9,000 vines per hectare. High-density planting ensures an equal yield with lesser grapes per vine, but better quality grapes. At Haut-Marbuzet, this high density also increases the competition between the grapevines and encourages a deep root system : « the typicality of the terroir lies at a depth of four meters ».
The deep rooting system of the grapevines as well as the banishment of chemical herbicides best reflect the characteristics of this terroir. The vineyard of Château Haut-Marbuzet is made up of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The strong presence of Merlot gives the wine a smooth and mellow taste. It complements the austere notes of Cabernet Sauvignon with its opulence, charm and seduction.
The characteristics of Haut-Marbuzet are mostly defined by its wine-producing methods.
The grapes are harvested once they are very ripe, then destalked. The maceration time is very long. Owner Henri Duboscq remains committed to using traditional materials, like concrete vats. They preserve the natural yeasts of past wines. Henri Duboscq says that he likes the idea that each year, the new yeasts revive the old ones, and the old influence the new.
The Duboscq were among the first to harvest overripe grapes. The wine is then matured in new oak barrels. Here, too, Haut-Marbuzet was among the first to use this production technique. All of these practices complete the characteristics of the terroir. They influence the color of the wine, its structure, its body, and finish.
Henri Duboscq often speaks of his love of unctuous wines, feminine wines that have fine, woody scents, with soft and ripe tannins. From this point of view, the wine of Haut-Marbuzet clearly stands apart from the classical wine of Saint Estèphe which is more virile, austere and astringent.
Tasting notes
Haut-Marbuzet shows a dark and intense color and a delicous bouquet of red and black fruit aromas, violet, pepper and coconut nuances. On the palate, the wine is rich and unctuous, with fine and peppery tannins that support the solid and fresh texture.
Review:
"Black and blue fruit, walnuts, gravy, vanilla, praline and cigar box on the nose. Full-bodied with fine tannins. Balanced, layered and polished with a fleshy texture. Harmonious, with elegance and intensity. Beautiful finish. Wow. Drink from 2025."
- James Suckling (January 2022), 96 pts
Chateau Franc Lartigue Saint-Emilion Grand Cru is made from Merlot 70%, Cabernet franc 15%, Cabernet sauvignon 15%
Eight hectare property in the town of Saint-Emilion. Elegant and structured wine, keep for 10 to 15 years depending on the vintage.
Review:
Bold and rich, this ripe black-currant-flavored wine come from vineyards on the plain below Saint-Émilion center. With the rich Merlot dominant, the wine has density and concentration that will allow it to age. Drink from 2023.
-Wine Enthusiast 91 Points
Mortet Bourgogne Passetoutgrain is mae from 60% Gamay and 40% Pinot Noir
Aged 11 months in Neutral French oak barrels.
12% ABV
Malolactic fermentation in barrel.
Slight filtration before bottling.
Bourgogne Passetoutgrains is an Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) for wine from the region of Burgundy.
Most Bourgogne Passetoutgrains is red, although rosé wine may also be produced. Unlike other Burgundy wines, which are
primarily produced from a single grape variety, Bourgogne Passetoutgrains is essentially a cuvée of Gamay and Pinot noir.
This is a quintessential bistro wine. Fresh and fruity, displaying red and black fruit flavors. Well balanced, good structure and silky finish with excellent length. Serve slightly chilled.
Oeufs en Meurette (poached eggs served in a red wine sauce with onions and lardons).
Boeuf Bourguignon (beef cooked in red wine with carrots and patatoes).
Pizza and pasta.