A light savory hint is quickly absorbed by the core of soft plum and blueberry fruit, with light anise and cocoa notes holding sway on the modestly fleshy finish. Drink now through 2019. 3,333 cases made.

The 2013 Barde-Haut has a fresh, slightly candied bouquet with raspberry pastilles and touches of black truffle. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. The acidity is nicely judged with slightly leafy black fruit, and all it really lacks is persistence on the finish. Enjoy this engaging Saint Emilion over the next 5-6 years.

The 2013 Château Barde-Haut is a charming yet mid-weight, slightly herbal/vegetal effort that has attractive chocolate dark fruits and green tobacco aromas, medium body, good acidity, and a clean finish. Those that don't mind some overt green aromas and flavors will find even more to like here than I did, but it's certainly a solid effort in a difficult vintage.