2022 Haut Simard
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2022 is the unashamed star of our mini-vertical of Haut-Simard, and the vintage Edouard Vauthier points to as a fulcrum point for the estate. The nose is sweet and bright, packed with seamless red berry fruit, along with hints of florals and pencil shavings. It is the palate that is so striking, however, driven and long, linear with graphite-etched tannins and mouthwatering acidity. Vibrant, pinpoint and very, very good – especially for the price. Blend: 70% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot
This is full of rich, sweet red fruit – cherries and strawberries with some red, rather than black, plum. The palate offers a crunchier mouthful, with a concentrated, dense core of fruit. The texture is what most impresses, with beautifully fine tannins that coat the mouth. Blend: 70% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Neal Martin, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2022 Haut-Simard is an explosive wine. A burst of dark red cherry/red plum, mocha, new leather and rose petal hits the palate. Vibrant and exuberant, the 2022 just needs a few years in bottle to fully come together, although it is pretty impressive today. Haut-Simard is the hidden gem in the Vauthier range this year.
The 2022 Haut-Simard has a complex, engaging nose with scents of Earl Grey and ash infusing the black fruit, plus a hint of bell pepper from the 70% Cabernet Franc. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, an appealing symmetry here. It's more focused and tensile than the Simard with a little more persistence and
Blending a record setting 70% Cabernet Franc with 30% Merlot, you find a wine loaded with black fruits, flowers, and wild herbs. On the palate, the wine is fresh, vibrant, bright, and crisp, with a core of ripe, black, and red fruits, and vibrant, chalky tannins on the backend. Give it a year or so in the cellar and it promises to be even better. Drink from 2025-2040.
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.