2023 Haut Simard
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Tasting notes
A beautiful Cabernet Franc-dominated blend that includes 20% Merlot and spent 18 months in barrel, the 2023 Château Haut-Simard has a gorgeous nose of cassis and darker, juicy red and black fruits intermixed with peppery herbs, leafy tobacco, and spring flowers. It's medium-bodied, balanced, supple, and beautifully textured, with soft tannins and an outstanding finish. Drink this terrific Saint-Emilion over the coming 10-15 years. Drink 2026-2040.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Neal Martin, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Haut-Simard is redolent of black cherry, lavender, sage, menthol, licorice, espresso and cloves. Dark and enveloping, Haut-Simard has a lot to offer. Time in the glass brings out its textural resonance, which builds nicely through the mid-palate and into the finish.
The 2023 Haut-Simard was clearly superior to the Simard when I tasted it from barrel. Now in bottle, the gap has closed just a little, but there is still markedly more purity of fruit, black cherries, raspberry and cassis, tinged with incense and wild heather. The palate has greater density and mineralité , a bit "thicker" in the mouth, suggesting that it will age better in bottle. Go for the Simard now, the Haut-Simard later.
There's a layered depth to this with blackberry, cherry and some orange aromas and flavors, as well as an undertone of crushed stone. Medium-bodied, juicy and real. You feel the soil here. 80% cabernet franc and 20% merlot.
About the producer
Ch. Haut-Simard is owned by the Vauthier family of Ch. Ausone. Since Alain Vauthier took over the Saint-Emilion estate in 2008, quality here has risen exponentially with vintages from 2019 onwards in particular showing the potential of this exceptional terroir.