Château Berliquet 2023

Nestled in the prestigious Saint-Émilion appellation, Château Berliquet is one of the oldest estates located on the limestone plateau just outside the town, right next to Château Canon (see map below).  In the past decade, both properties were bought by the fashion house, Chanel, to form its wine portfolio.  The other famous name also owned by Chanel is the Left Bank property, Château Ranzan-Ségla.

In recent years, under the watchful management of the talented winemaking team headed by estate director Nicolas Audebert, all three wine estates have achieved the highest quality and recognition in their respective histories. Before assuming the role at the Chanel wine estates, Nicolas Audebert worked at Moët & Chandon, Krug, and Veuve Clicquot champagne houses. He then headed winemaking at Cheval des Andes in Argentina, the joint venture project between Château Chavel Blanc and Terrazas de Los Andes.

Château Berliquet is a symbol of elegance and tradition. Its vineyards, covering 9 hectares, are strategically located on the renowned clay-limestone plateau, enjoying an ideal south-facing exposure that captures the essence of the region's terroir. This historic estate has a rich heritage dating back centuries, contributing to its esteemed reputation.

Under the dedicated ownership of the Chanel Group since 2017, Château Berliquet has undergone a remarkable transformation. The Chanel fashion house, known for its commitment to craftsmanship and luxury, has brought its visionary approach to the estate. With meticulous attention to detail and deep respect for the estate's legacy, they have reinvigorated the vineyards and implemented sustainable viticultural practices.

At the helm of Château Berliquet, the talented team led by estate director Nicolas Audebert has embraced a philosophy combining tradition and innovation. He is also the head of nearby Château Canon. By working closely with the land, they strive to create wines that express the vineyard's unique character while pushing the boundaries of excellence. Collaborations with renowned oenologists and state-of-the-art winemaking techniques have further elevated the quality and finesse of the wines.

As a testament to the estate's evolution, Château Berliquet proudly unveils its new visual identity, capturing the essence of its rich heritage and embracing a modern aesthetic. The label reflects the timeless elegance and sophistication of the estate's wines. This visual transformation symbolizes the estate's commitment to pushing boundaries while staying true to its roots.

With each vintage, Château Berliquet showcases the unique expression of its terroir, offering a sensory journey that captures the essence of Saint-Émilion. The wines, characterized by their finesse, balance, and complexity, captivate wine enthusiasts worldwide. As Château Berliquet continues to write its story, it remains a beacon of excellence, perpetuating the legacy of this esteemed estate and cementing its place among the finest wines of Saint-Émilion.

"Some damson and plum fruit on the nose, dark scents with blueberry. High toned and zingy, the fruit is forward and alive on the palate, sharp and high toned, really fun and lifted. A nice, open and alive expression centred around the perky summer berry fruit with edges of wet stones, graphite and pencil lead. A bit of waxy crayon in there too. It’s certainly finessed, maybe not as openly charming as Berliquet can be, this has more of a youthful, high acidity style. Tart but well controlled, a really lively glass of wine, so much energy and really does make you want another sip. 3.53pH. First vintage produced in the new winery with more vats for plot-by-plot vinification. Ageing 16-18 months ageing, 34% new barrels and 10 amphoras. A yield of 45hl/ha." - Georgina Hindle, Decanter, (04/16/2024), Ratings: 94

"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." - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate, (04/26/2024), Ratings: 93-95

"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." - Neal Martin, Vinous, (04/29/2024), Ratings: 93-95

"Tasted multiple times, the 2023 Château Berliquet is a smoking 2023 with tons of character. Ripe red and black fruits, spice box, truffly earth, and some graphite notes all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a supple, layered, elegant mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and ripe tannins. It's clearly outstanding, if not quite a bit more." - Jeb Dunnuck, (05/13/2024), Ratings: 92-94