Château Haut-Simard 2014

The 2014 Haut-Simard has come together nicely over the last few years. Specifically, the tannins that were a bit problematic at the outset have softened nicely as the oak has integrated and all the elements have found their place. Ripe red and purplish stone fruits, spice, mint and violet run through this attractive midweight Saint-Émilion. I would prefer to drink the 2014 sooner rather than later, while the flavors remain fresh. The blend is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc.

Earthy, black raspberries and leafy notes on the nose, with a sweet black cherry core on the finish. Produced from a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the wine is aging in 20% new French oak barrels. 88-90 pts

Deep purple, dense at the core, with garnet glints at the rim. Gorgeous bouquet; the fruit shows slightly compote-like notes, but there is also a lovely spiciness. On the palate, candy-like, soft and charming. Very gastronomic, with a rather sweet aromatic profile on the finish.

Supple, sweet, medium-bodied bouquet, blackberries, mocha, tobacco. Silky, firm palate with light fruit, fine sandy tannins, good aromatics, muscular structure, spicy finish. Can improve further. 16/20 2019 - 2030

Rich, full-bodied, not necessarily at this stage more intense than Simard.

Nose of fresh fruit with a hint of oak. The wine is supple, charming, slightly oaky, yet very elegant, with fine tannins and a slight firmness on the finish. 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. Aged in barrel with 20% new oak.

Garnet red with purple highlights. Lovely aromatic intensity. Notes of fresh red fruits and grenadine. The attack mirrors the aromatic profile with a fruity, juicy character. The body is slightly creamy with good aromatic intensity. The structure brings liveliness and freshness, while the well-integrated tannins slowly emerge on the finish. Fruity, persistent finish. A fine success.

Highly fragrant, intense nose with ripe fruit. Notes of vanilla and cream. The palate is supple and airy, developing with delicious flavor, bright fruit, and fine tannins. A hint of truffle lingers on the finish. Very good length.

Rich and soft, this is a fine, tannic and fruit-driven wine. It is full of bright acidity, smooth tannins and with a touch of smokiness from the wood aging. Produced from a small parcel in the Simard vineyard, it is set to age well. It has fine elegant tannic structure. Drink from 2023.

The 2014 Haut Simard, a blend of 30% Cabernet Franc and 70% Merlot, has a refined bouquet with cold limestone and almost flint-like aromas infusing the bright red cherry and strawberry fruit. The 20% new oak here is nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, very harmonious and elegant, with precise red cherry and crushed strawberry on the finish. It is clearly more sophisticated and nuanced than the 2014 Simard, a really quite beautiful wine from Pauline and Alain Vauthier.