In 1992, Jean-Claude Rouzaud, oenologist and Board Chairman of Champagne Louis Roederer, acquired and combined two Cru Bourgeois vineyards in the heart of the Medoc’s prestigious Saint-Estèphe appellation: Château Picard and Château Beauséjour. Together, these properties make up what is now called Château Haut-Beauséjour.
The 20 hectare Saint-Estèphe vineyard of Château Haut-Beauséjour is dominated by Merlot. The vineyard is planted to 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot. The terroir is gravel and clay with some limestone.
The wine of Château Haut-Beauséjour is vinified in traditional, large wood vats and aged in about 35% new, French oak barrels for about 12 months. On average, close to 8,500 cases of Château Haut-Beauséjour are produced every year. Vatting: 22-30 days.
The main climatic features of the 2010 vintage were low rainfall (around 50% less than the average for the growing seasons of the last thirty years) combined with quite cool temperatures, which kept the threat of vine canopy disease low.
This Saint-Estèphe combines smoke, espresso bean, red and black fruit and hints of spice for a wine with freshness, and backbone. There is no doubt that this is another outstanding vintage, which has different characteristics from the previous one. 2009 had more softness and roundness in its style, whereas 2010 is more than ever Bordeaux, close to 1989, 2000 and 2005-all great vintages.
Lamb, red meats, cheese, truffle, chocolate.
Serve at room temperature
James Suckling – April 2011 – 89/90
The Wine Advocate – Robert Parker – April 2012- 86-88
Jancis Robinson – 21 April 2011 – 16/20
Jeff Leve – The wine cellar insider – May 2011 – 88-91
AOC Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux
47% Cabernet Sauvignon
53% Merlot
Natural Cork
13%
