WBOTD: Be patient and you will be rewarded
94 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: “The 2014 Barde Haut has turned out beautifully. Dark cherry, mocha, spice, leather and tobacco flesh out in the glass. Effortless, supple and nicely layered, the 2014 hits all the right notes. The midweight style of the year comes through very nicely in this classy, polished Saint-Émilion. Proprietor Hélène Garcin and consulting winemaker Alain Raynaud captured all of the vintage’s potential. The blend is 90 % Merlot and 10 % Cabernet Franc.”
94 Points, James Suckling: “”Very aromatic and chalky on the nose with blackberries and blackcurrants. Licorice, too. Full to medium body, savory and chewy tannins, yet this always remains polished with a long and pretty finish. Drink in 2020, but hard not to drink now.”
91 Points, Neal Martin, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “”The 2014 Barde-Haut, a blend of 87.3% Merlot and 12.7% Cabernet Franc, has a relatively opulent bouquet compared to its peers with ripe red cherries, kirsch, hints of crème de cassis, and it becomes spicier as it opens in the glass. The palate is smooth on the entry with succulent ripe red and black fruit. This feels harmonious and silky smooth, just a touch of pain grillé on the entry, fine structure, tightening up on the mid-palate with a gentle, insistent grip on the lightly spiced finish where the Cabernet Franc imparts a subtle bell pepper note. This is excellent.”
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CHATEAU BARDE HAUT
Chateau Barde Haut is a 17-hectare estate located in the extreme east of the village of Saint-Emilion. The vineyard forms a natural amphitheater and is particularly well exposed to the south. The soil is very typical of Saint Emilion being mainly composed of clay which is found on a layer of chalk.
There has been significant investment in renovating the cellar so that all work is completely done by gravity to ensure that the precious grapes of the Château are well respected. The cellar is equipped with wooden vats, stainless steel tanks and concrete vats of 50 to 70 hl. A strict policy of selection to ensure the quality is undertaken and individual steps are all carried out by hand. It is the combination of exceptional soil and the introduction of natural wine producing and winegrowing technologies combining tradition and modernity that have made CHATEAU BARDE-HAUT one of the rising stars of Saint Emilion.