Château Hauchat 2018 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review (Nov. 2021)

I enjoyed the 2018 Château Hauchat from Bordeaux when it showed up at the LCBO last November, and tonight's red wine review is from a new batch of the same vintage that was released in LCBO VINTAGES back in August, and again last month as part of the October 30th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

For nine generations, the Saby family have been crafting wines on the Right Bank of Bordeaux in Saint Emilion. The dynasty of great winemakers started in the 18th century with Jean Saby and the family vineyard properties which have been passed down through each generation. Today, Famille Saby is led by the 8th generation of the family - Jean-Bernard Saby and his two sons, Jean-Christophe and Jean-Phillippe.

The Saby family owns three vineyard properties in Bordeaux, and this Merlot is from the Hauchat Vineyard. Château Hauchat is located on a high plateau within the commune of Saint-Aignan, to the west of neighbouring Pomerol and Saint Émilion. It was re-acquired by the Saby family in 1973 to become the third family estate. Situated in one of the finest growing areas of the Fronsac appellation, Château Hauchat has homogeneity of the soil that is well-drained and consists of clay-limestone, as well as perfect sun exposure. The terroir here is ideal for cultivating Merlot - the only grape varietal grown on the property. From an exceptional 2018 vintage, let's see how the new lot of this 2018 Merlot is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU HAUCHAT 2018 - AC Fronsac, Bordeaux, France (#123489) (XD) - $17.95
100% Merlot that was aged for 15 months in evenly split new, 1-year-old, and 2-year-old barrels. Open, fragrant, and highly aromatic on the nose with lovely, complex mix of black raspberry, savoury, earthy, green herbs, currant, and wood spice aromas with graphite and mineral accents. It's medium+ bodied on the chewy ripe, and slightly warming palate with delicious dark berry, black raspberry, blackberry, earthy, and graphite, savoury cocoa, and wood spice flavours. Still showing fine balance with balanced acids and maturing, palate-coating, dusty, and chalky-textured tannins. Savoury, graphite, and dark berry notes linger on the long, satisfying finish. In a very good place right now and should continue to drink well over the next 3-4 years. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other delicious wines from the Saby family are available through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.