Barde Haut 2009

Made from tiny yields of 18 hectoliters per hectare (May hail damage resulted in this small crop), the opaque purple-colored 2009 reveals an extraordinary nose of mulberries, black cherries, charcoal, barbecue smoke and forest floor. Rich, full-bodied and opulent with silky tannins as well as a broad, unctuous texture, this beauty can be enjoyed now and over the next 15+ years. It is fashioned from a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.One of the super values in Bordeaux is proprietress Helene Garcin's Barde-Haut estate. (She has also done a magnificent job with several other Bordeaux properties, particularly Clos l'Eglise in Pomerol and Branon and Haut-Bergey in Pessac-Leognan, as well as in Argentina.)

Tasted at Clos l'Eglise. This has a very seductive nose, pure red-berried fruit, well integrated creamy new oak, very fine definition with kirsch, cranberry, wild strawberry and cedarwood. Just a little gas on the entry, a full-bodied, very tannic, sinewy palate, very powerful with layers of black, cedary fruit, in fact, more akin to a Left Bank than a Right Bank wine. Well balanced but very primal, almost broody at the moment. Grippy finish. Tasted March 2010.

Love the blueberry and mineral character in this young wine. Full-bodied, with silk tannins and a fruity, chocolate and light vanilla cream aftertaste.

Particularly deep crimson. Luscious nose with real zip and an edge of morello cherry bitterness - attractive. Supple, lots of fruit almost smothers the tannins. Dramatic and delicious. Date tasted 29th March 2010. Drink 2015-2025.