Chateau Berliquet 2003 has just been released to considerable and growing critical acclaim, Purchased by Chanel in 2017 it is part of their now legendary triumvirate along with Chateau Canon & Rauzan Segla all under superstar winemaker and manager Nicholas Audebert. On the plateau of St Emilion with a blend of 59% Merlot and 41% Cabernet Franc, the wine has fragrant flavours of wild blueberries, plum preserves, and kirsch, followed by a hint of lilac – it is bright and energetic, with intense red and black berry layers and super-silky tannins, finishing with wonderful length and tension in a word delicious.It will age well and is a shrewd investment grade wine (with a release price 21% down on last year) that is sure to follow the upward trajectory of Canon & Ruzan Segla.
“A blend of 59% Merlot and 41% Cabernet Franc, the 2023 Berliquet has a pH of 3.53 and it is ageing in 10% amphorae and 90% oak barriques, of which 34% are new. It has a deep garnet-purple color and it hops from the glass with fragrant notes of wild blueberries, plum preserves, and kirsch, followed by hints of lilacs, fragrant soil, and cardamom. The medium-bodied palate is bright and energetic, with intense red and black berry layers and super-silky tannins, finishing with wonderful length and tension.” 94-96 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW
“A plump and juicy wine with redcurrants and plums, as well as orange peel. Full and layered with round, juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Generous fruit in this vintage.” 94-95 points, James Suckling
“The 2023 Berliquet is the first vintage produced in the estate’s new winery, equipped with double the number of vats, permitting proper separation of blocks. That’s especially important, as Berliquet is a more diverse terroir than Canon, and it can now be interpreted with much more precision. Offering up aromas of cherries, black raspberries, licorice and violets, it’s medium to full-bodied, pillowy and layered, with a fleshy core of concentrated fruit, refined, chalky tannins and lively acids.” 93-95 points, William Kelley
“The 2023 Berliquet was picked 23 September to October 5 at 45hL/ha, matured in 34% new oak plus 10 amphorae. Initially, the nose is quite backward and doesn’t want to play. Give it a few swirls and it opens to reveal black cherries, blackcurrant and a distant tang of oyster shell emanating from limestone soils. The palate is medium-bodied with a very harmonious entry. Finely weighted, tensile and slightly savory in style, this is very elegant, finishing with citrus-like freshness. Berliquet has definitely been in the ascendant in recent vintages, and this is another to add.” 93-95 points, Neal Martin
