The latest instalment in our series on En Primeur wines takes us to the Right Bank with its many great success stories. We also have plenty of top picks from both Pomerol and Saint-Emilion to tell you about.
All our En Primeur 2023 articles
- En Primeur 2023 | Bordeaux 2023 coverage: weather and wine characteristics
- But why bother buying Bordeaux En Primeur wine?
- En Primeur 2023 | Sauternes and Barsac: Vintage analysis and top picks
- En Primeur 2023 | Médoc vintage analysis and top picks
Right Bank 2023 vintage: Overview of weather conditions
From a weather perspective, the Right Bank fared well in 2023. No extremes were recorded apart from high temperatures on 23 and 24 August. Mildew was nevertheless highly present from the end of June to the beginning of July, especially on the Merlot vines, and it proved a major struggle for the winegrowers. Still, circumstances varied considerably, particularly in terms of the amount of rainfall in different areas. On the whole, July brought little rain, which helped to curb the disease and limit the damage, which generally remained negligible. The latter part of the season was particularly favourable in 2023.
Conditions were excellent during the harvest, providing considerable breadth in the choice of dates and ensuring that both the Merlot and Cabernet grapes reached perfect ripeness.
For further details and to find out all you need to know about the quality of the vintage, you might be interested in our related article ‘En Primeur 2023 | Bordeaux 2023 coverage: Weather and wine characteristics.’
Right Bank 2023 vintage wines: Quality and characteristics
The 2023 vintage in Saint-Emilion and Pomerol as well as in the other Right Bank appellations is a classic Bordeaux vintage in all respects. It is characterised by freshness and balance as well as where it was grown and how it was nurtured both in the vineyard and the cellars. Alcohol levels are, on average, slightly higher than on the Left Bank, but remain very reasonable. These are not the most opulent wines Bordeaux has ever seen, but they are far from diluted. The tannins are quite substantial with a fine texture and they marry well with the very present fruitiness. That’s why we’re really talking about a vintage of balance, far from any extremes.
By and large, the quality of the vintage is considered to be excellent in the leading estates on the Right Bank, as evidenced by the ratings awarded by professional tasters to châteaux such as l’Église-Clinet, Lafleur, La Conseillante, Cheval Blanc, etc. At iDealwine, the team also very much appreciated the Right Bank wines.
Our favourites from the 2023 Pomerol vintage
- La Conseillante
The nose is immediately very seductive, releasing aromas of violets and spices. On the palate, the juicy and intense attack gives way to fine, silky tannins, providing a fine structure without detracting from the wine’s airy character. Woody and vanilla flavours then emerge, and the length is extremely enjoyable.
- Le Gay
Aromas of small red and black fruit combined with woody notes rise from the glass. The palate displays firmness and lovely, perfectly polished tannins, with acidulous fruit and freshness.
- Clinet
Exuding red and black fruit aromas, this wine offers a beautiful texture, both light and silky, very well balanced, fresh and clean. A highly successful, classic and elegant style.
- Gazin
Bursting with red and black fruit, this wine also reveals undergrowth and mineral notes and a fairly structured palate with plenty of silky tannins and superb length.
Our favourites from the 2023 Saint-Émilion vintage
- Cheval Blanc
Harvesting here was completed between 6 September and 3 October. The blend consists of 52% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon with an alcohol level of 13.6%.
The nose is bursting with red and black fruit. An ultra-silky attack leads to a light, juicy mouthfeel, offering great delicacy and sapidity which combine with fruity and floral flavours and perfectly polished tannins. The ensemble is beautifully fresh and very elegant, culminating in a lingering finish bursting with acidulous berry flavours.
- Figeac
Aromas of black fruit, undergrowth, and graphite as well as floral notes emerge from the glass. The soft, fresh attack reveals a lovely, clean and elegant body, displaying depth, density and a velvety texture. The relatively powerful finish lingers at length, culminating in a combination of fruity, floral and mineral notes.
- Troplong-Mondot
The blend comprises 84% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc and is matured in new barrels (60%), ‘foudres’ (large oak wooden barrels, 20%) and barrels that have already been used once (20%).
Floral aromas of violet mingle with red berries and hints of graphite on the nose. The palate is extremely soft, with silky tannins, great density, freshness, plenty of fruit and ever-present floral notes. The finish reveals plenty of power and considerable persistence. The ensemble proves extremely elegant.
- Canon La Gaffelière
The nose reveals an array of small red and black fruits, while the palate is fresh, clean and elegant, displaying soft, fruity tannins.
- Pavie-Macquin
The nose reveals fruity aromas (red fruit) together along with notes of menthol and liquorice. On the palate, the wine is wonderfully juicy, with a velvety, light, fluid texture and great freshness. The finish ends on mineral and saline notes, offering great length.
- Larcis Ducasse
Aromas of black fruits, spices and graphite rise from the glass. The delicate and silky palate reveals peppery, floral and mentholated flavours. The wine’s freshness contributes to its wonderful balance and elegance.
