Why it matters
The producer
Sylviane Garcin-Cathiard purchased Château Barde-Haut in September 2000. Renovations and remodeling were completed in 2012. The redesigned property includes a green roof with solar panels, filters that collect, clean and recycle rainwater, and a small wind turbine used for outdoor lighting.
Grapes and wine move through the cellar by gravity. Its equipment comprises 15 temperature-controlled wooden vats alongside stainless-steel and concrete tanks ranging from 50 to 70 hectolitres. Punch-downs are performed by hand, while malolactic fermentation takes place predominantly in new French-oak barrels.
Wines to know
The range in view
Château Barde-Haut 2020 blends 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc. Its maturation used 60% new barrels.
The wine has rich, generous fruit and a silky, powerful palate. Black and blue fruit meet toasted spice, nuts and dark chocolate. Firm tannins frame a compact structure and velvety texture, followed by spice and peel on a persistent finish.