Buying options
Tasting notes
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.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Neal Martin, Vinous
More reviews and scores
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.
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.