Retour Château Haut-Marbuzet - Saint-Estèphe - Red - 2020
COUNTRY/REGION: Bordeaux
DESIGNATION: AOP Saint-Estèphe
COLOR: Red
VINTAGE: 2020
GRAPE VARIETY: 55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot
ALCOHOL: 14 vol.
CONTENT: 75 cl
The tasting
Color An intense ruby red.
Nose A beautiful aromatic bouquet with notes of exotic woods, spice, and small berries.
Palate This cuvée reveals a silky, velvety texture, with polished tannins and a balanced palate, carried by an appealing freshness.
The sommelier's advice
Temperature Serve between 14 and 16°C in a large glass.
Food Grass-crusted leg of lamb, sautéed veal with pan-fried mushrooms, fillet of duckling and creamy risotto, matured Saint-Nectaire cheese.
Cellar ageing From now until 2034 and beyond for enthusiasts.
The estate and the wine
The estate and the wine Synonymous with its charismatic owner, Hervé Duboscq, Château Haut-Marbuzet holds a unique position in Bordeaux’s hierarchy. This elite estate, awarded 2 stars in the RVF Guide, rivals even the most prestigious labels, often surpassing many classified growths. Its distinctive style has earned it exceptional renown and respect.

Located in Saint-Estèphe, near Cos d’Estournel, Haut-Marbuzet has always been ahead of its time. As a pioneer of new oak barrel aging, it broke with Médoc tradition by crafting wines that are sumptuous, generous, and irresistibly seductive—standing in stark contrast to the sometimes austere structures typical of the appellation. This bold, intelligent approach has cemented its status as a cult wine.
Wine A truly exceptional achievement, the 2020 Red Château Haut-Marbuzet Saint-Estèphe embodies everything that defines this celebrated estate. Aromas of exotic spice and fine woods meet velvety tannins, exquisite charm, and a vibrant freshness. The palate is as smooth and fruit-driven as ever, delivering remarkable elegance and balance. After more than a decade in the cellar, the old Merlot vines planted on blue clay will imbue this wine with the truffle notes reminiscent of great aged Pomerols. There’s no doubt this 2020 vintage will be remembered as a milestone for the estate. Rated 96/100 by RVF.
Vinification Hand harvested from 11 to 29 September 2020. Long maceration, matured in oak barrels. Bottled at the château.
AWARDS
AWARDS Estate awarded 2 stars in the Guide Des Meilleurs Vins de France 2025 (RVF)
Estate rated 4 stars in the Guide Bettane + Desseauve 2025
RVF Guide 2024: 96/100
Guide B+D: 93/100
Robert Parker: 92+/100