2023 Chateau Grand Village

Given they are under the same ownership of the Guinaudau family, Chateau Grand Village is often referred to as Chateau Lafleur’s second vineyard. The estate has been owned by the Guinaudau’s relatives for hundreds of years, however it was not until the year 2000 that they began to produce wine themselves from the property. Situated on the edge of the Fronsac region and classified as Bordeaux Superieur, the vineyard is planted to 79% Merlot and 21% Bouchets (Cabernet Franc). The terroir is similar to Saint Emilion with its mix of calcisol going down a foot or so to a bedrock mostly made up of asteria limestone. At Grand Village, they practice many of the same techniques employed at Lafleur, including pruning and de-budding adapted to each vine plant, crop thinning in summer and de-leafing. The grapes are picked by hand, followed by very careful sorting and selection. Grand Village also produces a white wine from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (85%) and Semillon (15%), from a 5 acre plot.

Other Reviews....
Aromas of cassis, blueberries, dark wild berries and flowers introduce the 2023 Grand Village, a medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy wine with a deep core of fruit that's framed by powdery tannins, concluding with a long, saline finish. As readers may remember, Grand Village is one of the best values in Bordeaux, and this year, it exceeds expectations. It's one of the sleepers of the vintage. This is a blend of 91% Merlot (picked between the 11th and 14th of September) and 9% Cabernet Franc (picked on the 20th of September). Drink 2025-2045.
92-94 points
Yohan Castaing - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2023 Grand Village is a very beautiful wine. Supple and open-knit, with terrific fruit purity, the 2023 has a lot to offer. Crushed flowers, mint, red-toned fruit, blood orange and mocha grace the palate. Brisk acids lift the nuanced finish. Drink 2025-2030.
92 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

Crunchy red fruit and blackberries, dried flowers and an earthy touch. Chalky and vibrant with precise flavors on the medium- to full-bodied palate, leaning toward medium. Fine tannins add definition and structure in the finish. A blend of 91% merlot and 9% bouchet (cabernet franc). Better from 2027.
94 points
Jacobo García Andrade - JamesSuckling.com

Based on 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc from deeper, clay soils, the ruby/plum-hued 2023 Château Grand Village spent a year in 30% new French oak before bottling. It tastes like a mini Pomerol with its ripe, juicy black cherries, damp earth, roasted herbs, and graphite. It's medium-bodied and has a pure, focused, layered mouthfeel and a great finish. Drink 2026-2038.
95 points
Jeb Dunnuck

Very fragrant and floral expression on the nose, really open and forward. Smooth and full of bright energy with savoury, herbal strawberry and red cherry notes. Great texture, fresh and focused. This has good structure in terms of fleshy tannins but with a cool, bite to the quite high acidity which keeps it lifted. Nice balance, precision and drinkability with a salty, chalky, graphite finish. I like this a lot. Clean, grippy, well balanced. Really well made. Drink 2027-2037.
94 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter