2016 Château Bernadotte Haut-Medoc Cru Bourgeois

About the Wine

The estate has a great terroir, bordering prestigious Pauillac classified growths. The new Cru Bourgeois classification (as of 2018 vintage) has recognized Bernadotte’s quality, history, and singularity, awarding Bernadotte “Crus Bourgeois Supérieur" (the highest classification for Haut-Medoc wines).

Bernadotte borders the Pauillac appellation and is a mere 3 miles from the Grand Cru's Chateau Lafite-Rothschild and Chateau Mouton-Rothschild. 

Their vines average 30 years in age and are planted in a similar fashion to Pauillac's Grand Cru Classé wines. The terroirs are subdivided in order to maximize the overall quality of the wine. The estate goes a step further to deliberately lower yields, increasing the overall quality of the grapes and keeping the rootstock healthy.

The estate's wine production is overseen by one of Bordeaux's greats, Hubert de Bouard of Chateau Angelus. Pauillac is often seen as Bordeaux's greatest appellation. Chateau Bernadotte is a rare find for connoisseurs of value Bordeaux, offering Pauillac-like quality without the $100+ price tag.

Formerly known as Chateau Fournas, this estate was renamed Bernadotte in 1997 after a past owner, Marshal Bernadotte, who was the Sovereign Prince under the rule of Napoleon I. Madame de Lencquesaing, owner of Chateau Pichon Lalande at the time, acquired Chateau Bernadotte in 1997 and proceeded to renovate every aspect of the estate. It is currently owned by the King Power Group who took possession in 2012.

Aging: 12-18 months in French oak barrels (30% new wood).

Tasting Notes: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. In the glass, Bernadotte offers a deep ruby ​​color. On the nose, it showcases aromas of red fruits with hints of spices and undergrowth; the bouquet is expressive and sustained. On the palate, the generosity asserts itself, the attack is fresh, the structure is tannic and the finish is long.

Reviews

This has aromas of boysenberries and dark berries with a wealth of bracken and gently tarry aromas, too. The palate has a fresh, fleshy, and quite concentrated feel with fine tannins that hold the finish long. A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Try from 2023. ~93 James Suckling

The nose is aromatic and offers a very fine power. It reveals notes of wild berries, crunchy raspberry, and small notes of flowers associated with discreet hints of crunchy cassis. The palate is fruity, suave, gourmand, well-balanced and offers a good definition as well as a mineral frame. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of fleshy blackberry, fleshy raspberry, and small notes of fleshy/juicy strawberry associated with small touches of fleshy/juicy cassis, licorice, and discreet hints of spices. Tannins are well-built. Good length. Very fine firmness on the finish. ~92-93 VertdeVin

Dark ruby ​​garnet, opaque core, subtle lightening of the edges, fresh heart cherries, nuances of cassis, delicately floral, a hint of orange zest. Juicy, fine cherry fruit, fresh and elegant, integrated ripe tannins, delicate touch of chocolate on the finish, versatile. ~92 Falstaff

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