A tutelary and multi-centenary cedar of Lebanon you cannot escape thrones in front of the elegant Château La Haye, one of the oldest of Saint-Estèphe. It is said that the lovers Henry II and Diane de Poitiers used to meet here. The walls remain silent and we will not know more. Only the two interlaced initials of the lovers seem to evidence this story.
The viticultural history is also ancient since the constitution of the vineyard dates back 1557, when Sir Janot Bernard Lord of Leyssac bought the property and planted the first vine stocks. In 1821, the family was offered nobility when Louis Bernard became Baron Bernard of Saint Affrique. His coat of arms still adorns the door of the chateau. In 2012, Chris Cardon bought the property after he discovered the region during the Medoc Marathon and entrusted Lloyd Lippens, his step-son, with the management. He will be advised by expert Eric Boissenot.
Château La Haye stretches over 28 hectares of gravelly soils and gravelly clay. The grape varieties are quite classic with 50% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec. The vinification is operated in small vats which allow a precise by-plot work. Lloyd Lippens, a charming and enthusiastic host, appreciates to be able to rely on a cooperage that provides tailor-made barrels, preferring to work with Francis Miquel, located south of Bordeaux. Classified Cru Bourgeois, the young man does not hide his ambition to be ranked Cru Bourgeois Exceptional. The man claims a sustainable environmental approach, subscribing to HEV3 standards, and aiming at the ISO 14001 standard in 2020.
The tasting is organized under centuries-old paneling and paintings which, it must be admitted, instil a little solemnity at the session chaired by Paolo Basso, Best Sommelier of the World, who came to Château La Haye last February. The structure of Château La Haye 2017 has, let's say it, something intensely delicate like the fine Flanders lace, dear to our host. Old lace and modern wine, in short.
Henry Clemens
Château La Haye 2016, Saint-Estèphe, Cru Bourgeois
Beautiful aromatic nose with a ripe fruitiness, balsamic notes and aromas of sweet spices. Plums, ripe cherries, blackcurrant syrup. Lovely tasty and sweet palate from the beginning, growing evolution, well-built medium body, well-integrated acidity that brings freshness, medium to long finish. A very interesting wine with a very good quality-price ratio. Ageing: 2022-2030.
Château Bellevue-Cardon 2015, Pauillac (autre propriété de la famille)
Intense nose with balsamic notes, ferns, tobacco and cocoa. Rich, powerful, voluminous and tasty; expressive body, rich but integrated tannins, lingering intense and tasty finish. Excellent and expressive with a great personality. A grand wine.
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