Chateau Barde-Haut is a 17-hectare estate located at the extreme east of the village of Saint-Emilion with its vineyard forming a natural amphitheater with a southern exposure. The soil is very typical of Saint-Emilion, mainly composed of clay which on a layer of chalk.

The property was bought in 2000 by Sylviane Garcin-Cathiard, whose family also owns Clos L’Eglise in Pomerol, Chateau Haut-Bergey and Chateau Branon in Pessac Leognan. Significant investments have been made in the cellar and all work is done by gravity to ensure the grapes are well respected.

Chateau Barde-Haut was promoted to Grand Cru Classe in the 2012 classification of Saint-Emilion wine and is one of the rising stars of Saint-Emilion.

Chateau Barde-Haut is a blend of Merlot (85%) and Cabernet Franc (15%) from vines with an average age of 35 years. Fermentation takes place in a combination of wooden vats, concrete vats and stainless steel tanks. The vines are hand-picked and aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak barrels.

The 2022 Barde-Haut is a Bordeaux Blend from the Saint Emilion sub-region in Bordeaux, France. This red wine, produced by Barde-Haut, is crafted with an 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc blend, and sealed with a traditional cork closure. It has garnered significant attention and praise from various esteemed wine reviewers.

Starting with **Robert Parker's Wine Advocate**, William Kelley rated this wine between 91-93+ points. He described it as "medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy," with aromas of plums, wild berries, dark chocolate, and creamy new oak. Kelley noted its "taut, youthfully structured profile and youthfully firm tannins," but suggested that gentler extraction could have resulted in a higher score.

**James Suckling** awarded the wine 94-95 points, praising its "velvety texture" and "lovely creamy tannins." He highlighted its "juicy fruit with black berries, spice, ink, and boysenberry," along with a hint of sea salt that adds complexity.

On **TheWineCellarInsider.com**, Jeff Leve gave the wine an impressive 94-96 points. He pointed out its "silky texture" and a blend of "flowers, leafy herbs, spice, black raspberries, a touch of espresso, and licorice." Leve emphasized the wine's "intensity, freshness, elegance, and lift," and mentioned its "elegant mouthfeel" and a finish marked by "a touch of salty rocks."

**Jeb Dunnuck** was particularly enthusiastic, awarding it a remarkable 96-98 points. He described the 2022 Château Barde-Haut as having "stunning aromatics of cassis, spring flowers, black cherries, and truffle," and praised its "medium to full-bodied richness," "fine-grained tannins," and "flawless balance."

**Jane Anson** rated the wine 95 points, noting its "inky colour" and "clear floral aromatics." She admired the "confident grip of the tannins" and the "creamy blueberry and damson fruits" that expand through the palate. She also mentioned the reduction in new oak usage to 55%, which she found to be well-judged.

**Vinous' Antonio Galloni** gave the wine 94-96 points, calling it "gorgeous" and "rich and explosive." He highlighted notes of "blueberry jam, crème de cassis, lavender, mint, and licorice," and noted that the typically burly tannins were softened in this vintage.

Finally, **The Wine Independent** rated it 94-96 points, describing it as "deep garnet-purple in color" with "notes of plum preserves, baked blackberries, and Indian spices." The review emphasized its "tightly wound black fruits and earthy accents," firm tannins, fantastic freshness, and a long, minerally finish.

In summary, the 2022 Barde-Haut Bordeaux Blend has been well-received across the board, with reviewers praising its rich and complex profile, well-integrated tannins, and elegant mouthfeel. This wine promises to age well and offers a dynamic tasting experience for connoisseurs.