Wine for sale: Château Barde Haut

A rising start of the Saint-Émilion appellation granted the title of grand cru classé in 2012. A producer to follow very closely.

Château Barde-Haut is a 17-hectare Saint-Émilion Grand cru classé, located in the commune of Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes. The estate stands out for its distinctive contemporary architecture, built in corten steel, a bold contrast to the traditional landscape of the appellation. Hélène Garcin-Cathiard oversees the property, as she does at Château Haut-Bergey, Clos l’Église and Château Branon. The vineyard benefits from a superb terroir, set alongside prestigious neighbours such as Trottevieille and Troplong-Mondot.
Facing due south, the terroir is defined by clay and limestone soils, ideal for achieving depth and balance in the fruit. Harvesting is done by hand, and the vines average around 35 years. The plantings are exclusively red varieties, composed of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The soils are ploughed, and the estate is currently undergoing conversion to organic farming. Annual production is approximately 70,000 bottles.
The wine is sought after for its striking intensity, shaped by extended maturation of 18 to 24 months in French oak barrels, with new oak accounting for close to 80%. Built for ageing, it rewards patience and will benefit from several years in the cellar.