Château Haut-Beauséjour 2015

Producer Information

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.

Vineyards

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.

Winemaking

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.

Vintage Information

Despite all of the surprises, fears and doubts, 2015 turned out to be a remarkable vintage. The growing cycle took place in perfect conditions up until some extremely dry weather in July, leading to worries over low yields. The rain and associated fungal diseases that are usually feared turned out to work for the winemaking team from mid-July to mid-September, enabling the vine to reach optimum ripeness levels.

The wines are distinctive and exceptionally precise yet also dense and restrained. Some may draw similarities to the extremely dense yet ethereal Bordeaux wines of the 1980s, with an excellent aging potential yet able to be enjoyed in their youth.

Tasting Note

Attractive nose offering notes of strawberry and raspberry. Long palate with precise tannins and lingering notes of liquorice and black fruits on the finish.

Food Pairing

Pairs beautifully with hearty meat dishes, from beef stews to lamb, veal, or roast chicken with mushrooms. The suggested serving temperature is 60°F.

Serving Suggestion

Serve at 16º-18º C.

Press

JamesSuckling.com: 90 POINTS
February 3, 2018, James Suckling

“Quite a savory and light wine for St.-Estephe, this is rather easy to enjoy now. Don’t worry though — there are some of the typical dry tannins for this appellation on the finish. Drink or hold.”

Vinous Media: 91 POINTS
February 2018, Antonio Galloni

“The 2015 Haut-Beauséjour has turned out beautifully. Wild and powerful in the glass, the 2015 exudes energy in all of its dimensions. There is a wildness to the 2015 that is compelling. Specifically, the Haut-Beauséjour has a level of aromatic nuance and detail that distinguishes it from so many wines of the vintage. Tobacco, earthiness, smoke, gravel and incense add character to this mid-weight yet potent wine. There is more than enough complexity to reward a decade plus of very fine drinking. The blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot.”

AOC Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux
55% Cabernet Sauvignon
45% Merlot

Natural Cork
No
No

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