2023 Château Beausejour Héritiers Duffau-Lagarrosse

Winery Château Beauséjour (Duffau Lagarrosse)

Château Beauséjour Duffau Lagarrosse is situated on one of Saint-Émilion's most renowned limestone slopes. Since Joséphine Duffau Lagarrosse took charge, the estate's focus has been on precision, terroir expression, and refinement. With a strong focus on vineyard work, gentle extraction, and careful use of oak, the château has quickly repositioned itself as one of the appellation's most promising establishments.

More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Region, climate and location

The château is situated on the chalky plateau and slopes of Saint-Émilion, where pure limestone and clay create tension, vertical structure, and a pronounced minerality. The 2023 vintage enjoyed a long growing season with a staggered harvest, resulting in optimal ripeness and preservation of freshness. The grapes were harvested between September 13th and October 3rd.

Beauséjour (Duffau Lagarrosse) is the château's Grand Vin and represents the most precise selection of plots and grapes. Produced in very limited quantities, it is considered the purest expression of this historic terroir.

Vineyards and grape varieties

The 2023 blend consists of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. The grapes come from old vines on chalky soils, which contributes to tension, aromatic finesse, and length. The relatively high use of Cabernet Franc enhances the wine's freshness and vertical character.

Harvest, vinification and maturation

The harvest took place over several days to determine the optimal ripening point for each plot. In the cellar, the emphasis is on gentle extraction and precision. For aging, carefully selected barrels are used, including oak from Burgundian coopers such as Cadus. This approach results in better integration of the oak and refined tannin structure, even at an early stage.

Color, smell and taste

The wine displays a deep ruby red color with purple highlights. The nose opens with aromas of black raspberry, mulberry, and violet, followed by spice, incense, and a distinct mineral undertone. William Kelley of The Wine Advocate emphasizes the purity of the fruit and the seamless integration of oak.

On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a deep, layered structure and a remarkably silky texture. Ripe acidity provides tension and length, while the tannins are refined and polished. Falstaff highlights the juiciness, finesse, and chalky finish, in which cherry and berry notes subtly linger. The finish is long, mineral, and slightly balsamic.

Development and drinking window

The structure, freshness, and concentration point to longevity. The high ratings suggest a wine that will develop beautifully from the end of the decade onward and can easily age for several decades.

Summary of professional reviews

William Kelley of The Wine Advocate rates the 2023 Beauséjour (Duffau Lagarrosse) 96–98 points, calling it the most impressive vintage yet under Joséphine Duffau Lagarrosse's guidance, with exceptional purity, precision, and minerality. Falstaff awards 97–100 points, highlighting the wine's finesse, juiciness, and chalky length.

The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this wine in the "Attachments" tab. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and upon pickup, you'll often receive an attractive discount. This discount is immediately visible when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, practically next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews of Parker and Falstaff, among others. Need advice on choosing the perfect drinking moment? Click here for our exclusive online sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.