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Tasting notes
The 2023 L'Hêtre is a powerful, driving wine from Jacques Thienpont and Fiona Morrison MW's Côtes de Castillon property. A burst of dark red cherry fruit, blood orange, cinnamon and pomegranate all flesh out in the glass. This heady Côtes de Castillon packs a pretty serious punch. I would give it a year or two in the cellar.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Neal Martin, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Coming from parcels with more limestone soils, the 2023 L'Hetre is based on 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc and was raised in 30% new French oak. Cassis, black raspberries, graphite, chalky minerality, and some chocolaty, herbal nuances all emerge from this beautiful Castillon, and it's medium-bodied, with a concentrated, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It would do just fine in a blind lineup of top Saint-Emilions. Drink 2026-2040.
The 2023 L'Hêtre has a well-defined, quite mineral-driven bouquet with touches of oyster shell that tincture the black, plummy fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins. Admirable weight and structure, the limestone terroir comes through nicely on the finish, but it will require 2 or 3 years in bottle.
The 2023 L'Hêtre has a well-defined, quite mineral-driven bouquet with touches of oyster shell that tincture the black, plummy fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins. Admirable weight and structure, the limestone terroir comes through nicely on the finish, but it will require 2 or 3 years in bottle.
About the producer
Jacques Thienpont – owner of one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated estates, Le Pin – fell in love with the view from L’Hêtre when he first visited the property. He purchased the Côtes de Castillon estate, which offers a brilliant introduction to the Thienpont stable at an affordable pricepoint.