Made from tiny yields of 18 hectoliters per hectare (May hail damage resulted in this small crop), the opaque purple-colored 2009 reveals an extraordinary nose of mulberries, black cherries, charcoal, barbecue smoke and forest floor. Rich, full-bodied and opulent with silky tannins as well as a broad, unctuous texture, this beauty can be enjoyed now and over the next 15+ years. It is fashioned from a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. (RP)

The 2009 Barde Haut is deep garnet colored with a hint of brick. It sashays out with gregarious notes of kirsch, black raspberries, and warm blueberries plus hints of violets, star anise, and fragrant earth. Full-bodied, concentrated, and with beautiful freshness, it has plush tannins and a long, perfumed finish. Hail this year meant that there was a very small crop. (LPB)

Bright ruby-red. Ripe, slightly high-toned aromas of kirsch and smoky oak. At once dense and juicy, with terrific sappy concentration to its powerful but fine-grained dark fruit and sexy oak flavors. Has the sheer grip and energy to buffer its captivating sweetness. Finishes with serious building, dusty tannins and terrific chocolatey persistence. A superb vintage for this clay-over-chalk vineyard, and a lot of wine for the price. (ST)