‘The wines reminded me of why I fell in love with Bordeaux. Bordeaux for Bordeaux lovers.’
– Sarah Kemp
‘The vintage has its virtues: pinnacles of quality, lower alcohol, traits of classic claret, freshness and sapidity.’
– Neal Martin
As current release pricing decreases continue – up to 41% – we think Bordeaux 2023 is a sure buy.
Notably, the First Growths spearheaded price adjustments with Haut-Brion leading the way with a substantial decrease of 41%. Similarly, Mouton Rothschild and Lafite followed suit with decreases of 37% and 33% respectively, attractive buys indeed.
But what about the wines? The Left Bank boasts incredible Cabernet-dominated wines, with Jane Anson praising Haut-Brion as one of the finest young Haut-Brions she’s ever tasted. There is more variability on the Right Bank, but excellent wines are available – especially from mid-tier upwards. l’Eglise-Clinet has produced a wine that rivals its remarkable 2022, while Laroque has potentially produced its finest wine to date, earning its highest scores ever with Neal Martin and Antonio Galloni both giving it 94-96 points. As Jane Anson puts it, ‘this year you get the DNA of Bordeaux. There is concentration and there is intensity, but within that frame of balance.’
Other astute buys include Saint-Julien powerhouses Léoville-Las Cases and Ducru-Beaucaillou, with
significant reductions of 40% and 37% respectively, while the revered Lynch-Bages from Pauillac also joined the trend with a 33% decrease in price. Meanwhile, from the Pomerol plateau, L’Evangile experienced a notable decrease of 31%. Clearly, the Bordelais responded decisively by reducing release prices to levels reminiscent of the 2019 campaign now known for its exceptional value.
Some of the highlights we have identified are listed below. Click here for our full list and to find out more about how en primeur works.
Pontet-Canet Pauillac 2023
R 1,705 PER BOTTLE | 98-100 JA
‘One of the wines of the vintage’ says Jane Anson, scoring it 98-100! Neal Martin praises it as ‘one of Bordeaux’s most innovative estates.’ Amphorae and egg-shaped wooden vats combine with traditional Bordeaux barriques to deliver a Left-Bank beauty with supple tannins and ripe fruit. This wine competes with First Growths at a fifth of the price.
De Fieuzal Pessac-Léognan Rouge 2023
R 504 PER BOTTLE | 95-96 WA
De Fieuzal delivers a superb 2023 vintage at smart pricing and potentially one of the best buys of the vintage at around R500. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate notes it has ‘hit new heights in recent years.’
Léoville Barton Saint-Julien 2023
R 1,441 PER BOTTLE | 97 JA
Jane Anson describes it as an ‘understated gloriously drinkable St Julien.’ Down 15% in price from last year. With great scores (94-96 WA; 93-95 AG), it’s another excellent buy.
Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan Rouge 2023
R 8,059 PER BOTTLE | 98-100 JA
‘Best Haut-Brion I’ve tasted in a very long time’, mentioned Jane Anson discussing her impressions of the 2023 vintage along with a score to match. The wine has an incredible sense of cohesion and depth. ‘There is real pedigree to this First Growth’ (96-98 NM) and with a 41% discount compared to last year, it is the cheapest among the First Growths thus far. Followers of this grand estate should take note.
Doisy-Daëne Barsac 2023 (375ml)
R 395 PER BOTTLE | 95-97 NM
A regular favourite of ours, Doisy-Daëne has produced another sublime wine with great value that you are unlikely to find elsewhere. Not only delicious after a decade-plus, it is absolutely superb in its youth for its vibrance and freshness. ‘Doisy-Daëne remains one of the most sublime wines in Barsac and Sauternes’ notes Antonio Galloni (94-96) and we agree. Pure delicious joy for R395 – fall in line.
