Château Barde-Haut 2019

Less expressive than the barrel sample: massive, fresh, and somewhat tighter in structure, with a finish still dominated by the élevage.

Juicy and ripe, offering a slightly burly-edged mix of plum, boysenberry and blackberry compote flavors laced with hints of licorice root and alder. Grippy, with adequate energy to the tar-lined finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2024 through 2037. 6,000 cases made.

Classified estate right next to Troplong Mondot, with real emphasis on the salinity of limestone, wrapped in delicious black fruits, soft spices and persistent smoked oak. This is an excellent wine, extremely well put together with clear ageing potential.

Attractive black-fruit and berry character with some chocolate and toasted-hazelnut undertones. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins and a juicy finish. Lots of flavor. Lots of polish. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc. Drink after 2024.

Tasted blind. Spicy, exotic nose. Then rather bloody and stodgy on the palate with a certain saltiness. A meat-and-two-veg sort of wine. Drying but long finish. Not quite enough ripe fruit in the middle. But it may improve…? (JR)

The 2019 Barde-Haut is a super-classic wine from the estate. Plush, dark and explosive, the 2019 races across the palate. This sumptuous, exotic wine balances the richness of the year with terrific energy. Inky blue/purplish fruit, espresso, mocha, licorice and cloves are all kicked up in this potent, extroverted Saint-Émilion. As always, Barde-Haut is one of the more flamboyant wines in the appellation. All the elements come together effortlessly in this gorgeous 2019 from Hélène Garcin-Lévêque and Patrice Lévêque.

Smoke, licorice, black plums, dark cherries, violets and five-spice aromatics get you to take notice. On the palate, it is even better with all of its silky-textured, sweet, energetic red fruits. The finish lingers with a growing portfolio of dark red and black fruits, with an endnote of dark chocolate and espresso. There is sweetness, length and complexity you can taste and feel. Drink from 2024–2038.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate bright rim. Ripe plums, a breath of figs, nougat and candied orange zest, discreet noble wood savouriness. Juicy, round, good freshness, integrated tannins, delicate fruit expression on the finish, harmonious, long length, has ageing potential.

This beautiful estate is located on the eastern side of the appellation, and they consistently turn out brilliant wines. The 2019 Château Barde-Haut reveals a deep purple hue along with classic limestone-influenced aromas and flavors of ripe black cherries, chalky minerality, chocolate, and white truffle. More medium to full-bodied and elegant than overtly powerful, its balance is spot on, it has beautiful tannins, and a great finish. It perfectly shows the vintage’s style and will benefit from 4–5 years of bottle age, then cruise for over two decades in cold cellars.

Kunz barrel sample 2020: velvety, dense, powerful bouquet, blackberries, black cherries, strawberries, dark chocolate, light tobacco. Balanced, full palate with powerful dark fruit, fine tannins, well-muscled structure, strong dark aromatics, long, bitter finish. Has room to improve.

Velvety, dense, powerful bouquet with blackberry, black cherry, strawberry, dark chocolate and light tobacco. Balanced, full palate with powerful dark fruit, fine tannins, well-muscled structure, bold dark aromatics and a long, austere finish. Has room to improve. 17/20 2025 - 2042

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Barde Haut leaps with vibrant redcurrant jelly, black cherry preserves, and wild blueberries scents with underlying hints of cardamom and iron ore. The full-bodied palate is tightly knit with firm, grainy tannins and a refreshing lift on the finish.

[ Primeurs 2019 Notes: 94 ] Firm, upright tannic structure, with a silky texture that elegantly drapes the cru, and a juiciness that lends it sensuality. The limestone-driven finish adds complexity.

Logo on the cork: DIAM30 Beautiful deep, purple color. Very aromatic nose with pure, ripe fruit. Soft on entry, with black fruit flavors and a slender body, the wine develops long and perfumed, with enveloped tannins. Alcohol: 14.5%.