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.
94 points, The Wine Advocate (2012)
Bright cherry and berry fruit flavors nestle in a broad, soft texture in this juicy red, which has bright acidity, modest tannins and an herbal, floral finish that's fresh and focused. Not a blockbuster, but balanced and harmonious. Drink now through 2017. 90 Points, Wine Spectator (2012)
90 points, Wine Spectator (2012)
(a 60/40 blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot from vines averaging 40 years of age) Inky purple. Perfectly ripe but rather understated black plum and blackcurrant are complicated by floral notes of rose, gardenia and violet as well as a hint of tartar sauce. Easygoing and smooth on entry, with flamboyant ripe black fruit and Oriental spice flavors that come as a surprise following the nose. Finishes clean and long, with considerable tannic bite and a pleasant lingering flinty mineral note. This will need time to resolve its youthfully aggressive-but not drying-tannins. Terrific potential.
90-93 Points, Ian D'Agata for Stephen Tanzer's Int'l Cellar (May 2010) | 
