2015 Château Barde-Haut

Description

“Based on an 80/20 split of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2015 Barde-Haut is a tour de force and a spectacular wine any way you look at it. Crème de cassis, dried flowers, earth, and loads of limestone-like minerality all flow to a full-bodied, opulent wine that has sweet tannins and a great mid-palate. Drink this uber-sexy beauty any time over the coming 15+ years. Drink 2018-2033” (10/2018) 95 pts, Jeb Dunnuck

“Aromas of blackberries, blueberries, wet earth and black tea. Full-bodied, dense and layered with medium, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Shows focus and power. Needs three or four years to start coming together.” (2/2018) 95 pts, James Suckling

“The 2015 Barde-Haut has a fragrant bouquet with intense black cherry, cassis and oyster shell aromas that blossom in the glass (just as it did in barrel). The palate is medium-bodied with juicy ripe blackberry and raspberry fruit laced with white pepper and spices. I appreciate the balance and focus here, the acidity cutting through nicely on the finish lending tension and sappiness. Give this 3 or 4 years in bottle and you will have a very fine Saint-Émilion.” (2/2018) 93 pts, Neal Martin

“A restrained style, with a core of damson plum, raspberry and cassis flavors held in check for now by fine-grained cedar, sanguine and iron hints. There’s racy acidity running underneath and a long, focused finish, so cellar this to let the two sides meld fully. Best from 2022 through 2032.” (3/2018) 93 pts, Wine Spectator