A blend of just over 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Merlot (last year I mistakenly wrote that the balance was Cabernet Franc), the opaque ruby/purple-colored 2009 reveals notes of scorched earth/burning embers/charcoal, black currants, ripe cherries and lead pencil shavings. Full-bodied and pure with sweet tannin, this is an under-the-radar, high quality claret to drink over the next 20-25 years.
As powerful and rich as the 2000 and 2010, Haut-Bergey's 2009 is another of the over-achieving, value-priced Bordeaux that are increasingly difficult to find. The estate, which is owned by Helene Garcin (who also owns Clos l'Eglise and Barde-Haut, and makes the cult wine, Branon, from a vineyard adjacent to Haut-Bergey), is situated near Malartic Lagraviere and Domaine de Chevalier.
The 2009 Haut-Bergey has a lovely bouquet with raspberry, cranberry, rose petal and light forest floor aromas, opening beautifully in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, well judged acidity, and smooth in texture although, it lacks some density and grip on the finish. Enjoy now and over the next 6 to 8 years. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.
Blueberry and spices on the nose. Full-bodied, with super well-integrated tannins and a berry, spice and dark cherry aftertaste. Really polished.
Very ripe. Sweet and round with a little fragrance. Pretty drying on the finish. A bit too much like hard work? Date tasted 2nd April 2010. Drink 2016-2028.
From the same owners as Pomerol's Clos l'Eglise and St Emilion's Barde Haut, this is a Graves produced in the modern style. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, with a touch of Malbec and petit Verdot. A very dark colour, huge and quite extracted. Strong and powerful, thick and chewy. Impressive depth, should impress the critics.
Although more red fruits show on the nose than black there is an attractive sweetness. The palate has richness with ripe black cherries backing the cassis. The fruit lasts well on the finish. Drink 2018-2035.
Black red, concentrated tobacco leaf cassis fruit, good concentration and vigour, has a greenness that needs to soften. Drink 2014-20.
One of the best over-achieving, value-priced wines in Pessac-Leognan, Haut-Bergey's vineyard enjoys a superb location near Malartic-Lagraviere and Domaine de Chevalier. Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest primarily Cabernet Franc and a dollop of Petit Verdot, the opaque purple-hued 2009 reveals a big, exuberant nose of charcoal, black currants, sweet cherries, and graphite. Dense and full-bodied, with beautiful purity, texture, and length, it should drink well for 20+ years. (Tasted two times.) P.S. I also tasted the brilliant 2000 Haut-Bergey in March, 2010, and it was still a youngster in terms of its development. Drink 2010-2030.
Tasted at Clos l'Eglise. This has a rather pinched nose, blackberry, oyster shell, briary and crushed stones; very fresh and delineated, not powerful, but opening nicely with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied, grainy tannins, quite meaty and grainy, some savoury notes towards the finish. Understated, approachable, nice sous-bois elements on the finish. Fine. Tasted April 2010.
