Château Barde-Haut 2021

Less about power and extract, yet with delightful elegance and pleasant freshness.

The 2021 Barde Haut has a very composed bouquet with black cherries, blueberry and touches of melted tar—well-defined and focused. This has retained the elegance that I discerned out of barrel. The palate is medium-bodied with quite a peppery entry, fine acidity and good balance, showing modest concentration toward the briny finish. It tapers just a little shorter than anticipated but is still a well-crafted, classically styled Saint-Émilion.

Quite floral in nature, with additional nuances of cherries, licorice, espresso, black raspberries, and a touch of chocolate that creates the perfume. The palate is medium-bodied, with vibrant red berries, cocoa, crushed rocks, and chalk that add to the complexity and finish. This is going to drink well young, yet have the ability to age and evolve for 15 years. The wine blends 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2024-2040.

A solid, undeniable success, the 2021 Château Barde-Haut has a healthy ruby hue as well as medium-bodied aromas and flavors of red and black fruits, chalky minerality, sappy flowers, and underbrush, with a beautiful, almost Pomerol-like damp earth and meatiness. Balanced and elegant, it has fine tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and outstanding length. Give it a few years and enjoy over the following 10-15.

A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the 2021 Barde Haut is deep garnet-purple in color. Notions of blackberries, Morello cherries, and wild blueberries spill from the glass, followed by hints of menthol, violets, and clove oil. The medium-bodied palate is velvety and laden with pure black fruits, the acidity is soft and well-knit, whilst the finish is spicy.

Logo on the cork: DIAM30 Deep, vibrant colour. Intense nose with ripe fruit, backed by a hint of blackcurrant. Given this type of cork, I recommend double-decanting the wine several hours before serving. This aeration will enhance the bouquet. Soft on the attack, juicy on the mid-palate and very flavoursome, the wine develops a rich, creamy, melting texture. Finish with a lovely ripe-fruit flavour. Alcohol level: 13.4% – pH: 3.47.