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 2023 Barde-Haut is a Bordeaux Blend hailing from the Saint Emilion sub-region in Bordeaux, France. This red wine is produced by Barde-Haut and is sealed with a cork closure. It is comprised of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, boasting a pH of 3.4 and an alcohol content of 14%. The wine was harvested between September 14 and 29, 2023.

James Suckling praised the 2023 Barde-Haut with a near-perfect score of 98 points, describing it as "a linear wine with fine tannins, red and black currants, and minerals." He highlighted its medium body and salty character, noting the tight fruit concentration and pretty finish. Suckling concluded, "Beautifully structured... One of the best I have had from this chateau" (jamessuckling.com, 4/15/2024).

Antonio Galloni from Vinous awarded the wine 94 points, emphasizing its power and density. He remarked on its "blue/purplish berry fruit, mocha, spice, and new leather," adding that "there's terrific breadth here" (Vinous, 4/30/2024).

Jane Anson also gave the wine high marks with a score of 95 points. She commented on its tannins and texture, calling it "extremely well assembled with grip and personality." Anson noted the presence of "smoky grilled coffee bean, gorgeous depth of fruit, liquorice root, and freshly cut herbs" (janeanson.com, 4/25/2024).

Jeff Leve from The Wine Cellar Insider scored the wine 95 points, describing it as "deeply colored" with an aromatic profile of "flowers, licorice, bacon fat, mint, cherries, and black plums." He noted its "creamy, mineral-driven" palate and "crushed-rock, cherry-infused finish" (TheWineCellarInsider.com, 4/1/2024).

Jeb Dunnuck awarded the wine 93 points, appreciating its "gorgeous aromatics of cassis, mulberries, spicy herbs, and spicy wood, with a hint of espresso." He praised its "purity" and "terrific overall balance" (jebdunnuck.com, 5/8/2024).

Lisa Perrotti-Brown from The Wine Independent gave it 94 points, highlighting its "deep garnet-purple" color and "gregarious notes of wild blueberries, juicy plums, and black raspberries." She noted its "grainy tannins and bold freshness" (The Wine Independent, 5/7/2024).

Overall, the 2023 Barde-Haut has received excellent reviews, with consistent praise for its structure, aromatic complexity, and balance.