Château Barde-Haut 2020

Good aromatic potential with notes of berries and fresh herbs; compact on the attack, well-balanced structure, full-bodied, perfectly ripe, polished tannins, and a finish of pronounced length.

A good drop of damson and black cherry fruits right up front, and it holds its line as the more austere tannins arrive towards the finish. Expertly extracted, self-contained right now, with firm fruits that don’t dip through the mid-palate, alongside a glossy wash of liquorice, black chocolate, sage and anise. This is clearly going to age well. 60% new oak for ageing. Owned by Hélène Garcin-Leveque, it is located right next to Troplong Mondot.

Aromas of black and blue fruit, toasted spices, walnut and dark chocolate. Medium- to full-bodied with a juicy character and firm, polished tannins that build on the palate. Well-balanced, structured and compact, with a velvety texture and hints of spices and bark on the close. Lingering finish. Try after 2027.

The 2020 Barde-Haut has an intense bouquet with black cherries, wild strawberries, freshly pressed violets and light incense aromas, harmonious yet fairly backward. The palate has a very sensual opening: sweet blackberry, balsamic, white pepper and light graphite notes from the 20% Cabernet Franc. It feels linear and strict at the moment, which bodes well for the future. Very fine, but patience is necessary if you want to see this Saint-Émilion at its peak.

The solid depth of color lets you know there is a lot going on here, and the striking perfume, with its display of dried flowers, black, red and blue fruit, espresso, cocoa, licorice and spices, agrees. On the palate, the wine is rich, ripe, silky and pure, leaving you with waves of plums, cherries, blue fruits, chocolate, espresso and crushed stones in the lingering finish. Drink from 2025–2050.

Deep ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, faint brightening on the rim. Fine touch of noble wood, a hint of blackberry and liquorice, dark cherry, a touch of orange zest, inviting bouquet. Juicy, ripe cherry, fresh and lively, fine, integrated tannins, mineral and long, delicate nougat on the finish.

I always love this wine, and the 2020 Château Barde-Haut is a quintessential Saint-Emilion revealing a deep ruby/purple hue, awesome notes of red plum, cherries, tobacco leaf, and chalky earth, full-bodied richness, bright acidity, and fine tannins. A gorgeous wine, it will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades.

The 2020 Barde Haut is deep garnet-purple in color. Notes of black cherry compote, plum preserves, and sandalwood waft from the glass, followed by suggestions of cast-iron pan, black truffles, and Indian spices. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers mouth filling notes of juicy plums and spicy accents, framed by plush tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long and minerally.

93-94

Barde-Haut shows lovely freshness and clearly highlights the harmony between the élevage and fruity nuances. Pleasing on the palate, the wine is dense with silky tannins, while a refreshing tension appears from the outset. An elegant, harmonious, powerful and persistent wine.