Chateau Haut-Bergey Cuvee Paul 2022

Chateau Haut-Bergey Cuvee Paul 2022, biodynamic wine, low added sulphites, delicious claret from Pessac-Leognan.  A classic blend of Bordeaux varieties, unusually for Pessac, the dominant grape is Merlot, 42% with 39% of Cabernet Sauvignon and small quantities of Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.  The vineyard work is biodynamic and the cellar work hands of, with natural ferments in steel, very gentle extraction and movement of juice by gravity.  Maturation takes place under enormous underground cement vats where the wine rests for 18 months.  Very little sulphur is used.

This is a rare example of fresh Claret, how it should be, bristling with lively red fruits, a lovely energy and no oaky flavours.  It is medium bodied and acidity with beautiful balance.  The 2022 is still very young and having tasted older wines, it has several years to mature and become more brooding and serious.  However for easy drinking, delicious fruit forward claret which won;t give you a headache or require T-Bone steak, this is a winner.

This historic Bordeaux property has been owned by the Garcin family since 1991.  Paul Garcin took over the estate in 2014 and continued the transition to organic farming, gaining certification the following year.  In 2018, they moved a step further and became certified biodynamic with Demeter and Biodyvin.

Alongside a more forward thinking approach to viticulture, the cellar work also changed and has moved away from small barriques and new oak to ageing in concrete and Amphorae.

The domaine comprises 21 hectares across 6 parcels of vines with varied soils including gravel, sand and clay.  There is a small amount of white garpes planted with the majority planted to classic red Bordeaux varieties.  

This is a winery at the start of a journey which we hope many Bordeaux estates will join them on.  It is a journey away from the dogmas and damaging vineyard practices of the past towards a lower production, higher general quality and more drinkable future.  Bordeaux also needs to change to have a sustainable future and not drown in its own wine lakes.  The style of wine should move away from the cigar box, old man wine of the past to something easier, lighter, fresher which shows the brilliance of these amazing grapes and vineyards.