Desmirail - Margaux 2023

Wine Advocate

92

byYohan Castaingthe4/10/2026

The 2023 Desmirail confirms the stylistic evolution this estate has pursued over recent years. Considerably less oaky than in the past, it reveals a fresh, fruit-driven bouquet of dark berries, spices, cassis and flowers with time in the glass. Medium- to full-bodied, sapid and suave, it is built around a fleshy core of fruit framed by polished tannins, unfolding with a seamless, succulent profile and concluding with a penetrating finish. It should reward a decade of cellaring.

The Wine Palate

83

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe4/9/2026

The 2023 Desmirail is deep garnet-purple in color. It features notes of raisin cake and prunes, followed by hints of unsmoked cigars, wild mushrooms, and damp soil. Light- to medium-bodied, the palate is lean and chewy, with soft acidity, finishing a touch rustic.

Jeb DUNNUCK

91

byJeb Dunnuckthe3/31/2026

A serious, classically styled Margaux, the 2023 Château Desmirail sports a deep ruby/plum hue as well as spice box, red and black fruits, smoky tobacco, cedar pencil, and chocolaty nuances. Based on 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc and aged 12 months in 40% new French oak with 25% in 500-liter barrels, it's medium-bodied and has a nicely balanced, textured mouthfeel, solid, velvety tannins, and outstanding length. It should keep for two decades. Drink 2026-2046.

The Wine Cellar Insider

92

byJeff Levethe3/30/2026

Licorice, flowers, red fruits, espresso, and forest leaves pop in the perfume. The medium-bodied palate matches the nose with its soft, fresh, and vibrant red fruit character, finishing with a refreshing hit of spearmint and spice, which shows up at the end of a savory-edged finish. Drink from 2027-2042.

Vinous

93

byNeal Martinthe2/1/2026

The 2023 Desmirail was impressive from barrel and in bottle, it does not disappoint with a nuanced bouquet, blackberry and forest floor, light undergrowth scents emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine acidity, fleshy but with backbone. Harmonious toward the finish with impressive length, this is a well-crafted, delightful Margaux.

Jamessuckling.com

93

byJames Sucklingthe1/27/2026

An elegant and classic wine with aromas of red currants, minerals, tea leaves and red berries. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a tense, expressive finish. Good clarity and length. Already quite drinkable, but should hold well.

Yvesbeck.wine

91-93

byYves Beckthe5/14/2024

Viel Finesse im Bouquet von Desmirail 2023! Er offenbart sich langsam durch Nuancen von schwarzen Beeren, Süßholz und einem Hauch von Blutorangen, gefolgt von holzigen Nuancen. Der Wein ist schlank im Auftakt und von seiner Reifung geprägt, gewinnt aber auf seinem Weg am Gaumen an Dimension. Seine abgerundeten Tannine bilden das Rückgrat und können sich auf den wertvollen Beitrag der Säurestruktur verlassen. Die Komponenten dieses Weins müssen sich geschmacklich noch einpendeln, aber er zeit jetzt schon einen köstlichen und angenehmen Charakter.

Jeb DUNNUCK

91-94

byJeb Dunnuckthe5/13/2024

The 2023 Château Desmirail is another impressive 2023 from Margaux. Red and black fruits, spring flowers, smoky oak, and a hint of lead pencil all define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied, with a balanced, elegant mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and outstanding length. It shows how well this appellation did in the vintage and is well worth seeking out.

The Wine Cellar Insider

91-93

byJeff Levethe5/6/2024

Tobacco, and flowers, cedar, and currants pop in the nose. Medium-bodied, soft, fresh, and vibrant, the finish serves up loads of sweet, ripe, black cherries currants licorice, and spice. Drink from 2027-2042. 91-93 Pts.

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

91

byJane Ansonthe5/6/2024

Sandalwood, espresso and tar notes are overt on the opening, but they are balanced by attractive brambled black fruits, and this is showing a sleek tannic character. Antoine Medeville consultant. No need to wait the full 10 years for this to soften - think six or seven years.

Vinous

90-92

byAntonio Gallonithe4/30/2024

The 2023 Desmirail is a savory, aromatic style of Margaux. Crushed flowers, sage, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco and mint all grace this mid-weight, nuanced Margaux from Denis Lurton.

Vinous

91-93

byNeal Martinthe4/29/2024

The 2023 Desmirail follows in the footsteps of a couple of vintages that have been “perplexing" at this prenatal juncture. The aromatics here are more convincing, with blackberry, briar and light cedar scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, a keen line of acidity and a brightness on the finish that complements the polished fruit. Hints of cracked black pepper linger on the aftertaste. Back to form!

Falstaff

89

byPeter Moserthe4/29/2024

Dark ruby colour, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Red berryish confit, currants, fresh cherries. Lean, red berries, soft tannins, mineral, subtle leafy finish. Remains somewhat short.

Alexandre Ma

91-93

byAlexandre Mathe4/28/2024

Wine Advocate

90-92

byYohan Castaingthe4/26/2024

More oaky and reserved than its 2022 counterpart, the 2023 Desmirail offers up aromas of dark wild berries, spices, licorice and coniferous forest. Medium to full-bodied, round and sappy, it has velvety tannins with a tense, ethereal and delicate finish.

Jamessuckling.com

90-91

byJames Sucklingthe4/25/2024

Attractive currant and berry notes here with some caramel from the new wood for now. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and a slightly short finish. Wait and see.

Vertdevin

92

byJonathan Chicheportichethe4/24/2024