Château Barde-Haut 2017

Round on the palate, juicy, with grainy tannins, medium length, noticeable warmth; best enjoyed young.

This features a seductive core of anise-steeped plum, blackberry and black currant fruit flavors set against a backdrop of singed alder, savory and smoldering tobacco notes. A hint of licorice snap adds a kick on the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2034. 4,166 cases made.

A complex, composed impression on the nose with rich plum and earthy aromas, nicely framed in oak spice. All working well. The palate has a very smooth, supple feel with a plush build of attractive, fleshy fruit and a very impressive hold of juicy blue fruit on the finish. Drink or hold.

This is developing right on course. The wine is richly textured, round, lush and even now, you can already enjoy the smoke, licorice, black cherry, wet earth and floral sensations. As good as this is today, if you can hold off for another 3-5 years, it should be even better!

The 2017 Chateau Barde-Haut showed beautifully, with more dark fruits, red currants, sappy flowers, mocha, and hints of herbs all emerging from the glass. With plenty of classic Saint-Emilion minerality, medium to full body, ripe tannins, and good acidity, it’s a very pretty, elegant 2017 that’s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and drink well for 15 years or more. Purchased late in 2000 by Helene Garcin and Patrice Levêque, who also run Clos l’Eglise in Pomerol, this estate covers 17 hectares of a south-facing amphitheater on the eastern side of the appellation. This is an incredibly talented team, and since arriving, they’ve entirely renovated the cellars and raised the level of farming to match the top estates in the appellation. The wines shine for their purity and finesse yet still have beautiful fruit and richness.

Purple with a dark core and violet highlights. Opulent blueberry bouquet, followed by cherry liqueur and violets. On the palate, creamy texture, polished tannins, supportive freshness. A focused finish with a fireworks of blackberries and elderberry jelly – very aromatic, well made! 17.5/20

Kunz barrel sample 18: powerful, delicately floral, sweet bouquet, damson plums, cherries, subtle mocha, tobacco. Fruity, velvety, subtly opulent palate with powerful, sweet fruit, fine tannins, creamy structure, intense aromatics, long, delicately lavish finish. Can still improve.

Powerful, delicately floral and sweet bouquet, damson plums, cherries, subtle mocha, tobacco. Fruity, velvety, subtly opulent palate with ripe, sweet fruit, fine tannins, creamy structure, intense aromatics, and a long, finely rich finish. Still has room to improve. 17/20 2025 - 2038

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Barde Haut has provocative scents of Bing cherries, black raspberries, and tilled soil with bay leaves, crushed rocks, and fallen leaves. The medium-bodied palate is firm and chewy with just enough fruit, finishing earthy.

No frost on Poesia, the tannin is more supple than in the early vintages. There’s a truly chalky finish that brings freshness to the wine.

Subtle, precise bouquet with a fine harmony between the élevage, the terroir and the fruity notes, with blueberry aromas. A racy, moreish attack. On the palate, the wine shows breadth and tension. It displays a calm poise and is perfectly balanced. The tannins are ripe, well integrated, and carry the whole palate alongside the classy structure. Fruity, persistent finish. A great success.

Dark, intense, youthful colour. Moderately intense nose with ripe fruit and a subtle note of black cherry and vanilla. Supple, luscious palate with flavour, flesh and fine tannins. Very well-composed, with no angular tannins. Normal length.

88–90. Barrel Sample. Ripe, luscious fruit flavors make this wine surprisingly approachable now. The smoky tannins and structure will allow the wine to age, but it is the generous juicy character of the wine that is immediately appealing.