Château Haut-Simard 2019

This has a vibrant nose of brambleberries, redcurrants, stones, bay leaves, praline, lemon peel and chocolate. It’s medium- to full-bodied with juicy wild fruit, framed by a precise frame of firm, tightly knit tannins. 60% cabernet franc and 40% merlot. Try after 2025.

60% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot. Barrel sample. Change of style and blend, the leafy, floral notes denoting an added percentage of Cabernet Franc. Greater purity in the berry fruit. Plenty of lift and definitely more finesse than Simard or Fonbel. A firm tannic edge provides persistence. Dry finish. (JL)

The 2019 Haut-Simard was picked from September 18 to October 5. Blind, you might think this was a Left Bank wine; the 40% Cabernet Franc is very expressive and imparts attractive cedar and light tobacco scents. The palate is fresh and vibrant on the entry, with supple but quite firm tannins. Much more saline and certainly more complex than Simard, delivering impressive weight and a touch of spiciness on the finish. Very classy.

[ En Primeur 2019 Notes: 90-91 ] The 60% Cabernet Franc allows the wine to coat the entire palate, offering juicy indulgence at mid-palate, well extended by a fresh, well-poised finish.

Dark, intense, and vibrant color. Very aromatic nose with ripe fruit. Delicate on the attack, very flavorful mid-palate, with a caressing body; the wine slows slightly on the finish while remaining very aromatic. Fine grain. Good length.

From a small parcel of densely planted vines within the larger Simard vineyard, this fine wine has great definition alongside its rich tannins. Perfumed Cabernet Franc gives both texture and spice, richly concentrated and structured. Drink from 2025.