Bought in 2008 by the Vauthier family, this cru, ideally situated between La Gaffelière and Canon La Gaffelière, has undergone major restructuring: the 10 hectares have been completely replanted to achieve a density worthy of a premier grand cru classé (12,600 vines per hectare).
The high proportion of Cabernet Franc in the blend (40%) tempers the sun-drenched nature of the terroir (south-facing), and gives the wines an elegant, long-lasting structure. Recent vintages have convinced us that Haut-Simard deserves urgent attention.
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Moulin Saint Georges...), Haut-Simard began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.
The 2020 vintage in the press:
Hachette (Guide 2024) “With 40% Cabernet Franc, this vintage stands out eloquently. The well-matched woody and vanilla notes, with their addition of fresh cherry and blackberry, and the round, velvety character of the palate make for a convincing whole, sustained by a beautiful freshness. An elegant wine with great potential”.
J-M Quarin (March 2023): 92/100 “Meticulous on entry, juicy in the middle, with brightness of flavor and body, the wine flows straight through to a meticulously woven finish. Fine grain. Incurable."
Vinous (A. Galloni - December 2022): 93/100 "The 2020 Haut-Simard is unusual in this year in that it includes 40% Cabernet Franc. That comes through in the wine's aromatic profile and overall energy. Bright red berry fruit, dried herbs, mint, sage and tobacco open first. The 2020 is a bit reticent, but it offers terrific energy and tons of nuance."
Bought in 2008 by the Vauthier family, this cru, ideally situated between La Gaffelière and Canon La Gaffelière, has undergone major restructuring: the 10 hectares have been completely replanted to achieve a density worthy of a premier grand cru classé (12,600 vines per hectare).
The high proportion of Cabernet Franc in the blend (40%) tempers the sun-drenched nature of the terroir (south-facing), and gives the wines an elegant, long-lasting structure. Recent vintages have convinced us that Haut-Simard deserves urgent attention.
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Moulin Saint Georges...), Haut-Simard began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.
The 2018 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin (January 2022): 92/100 “Delicious wine, with a silky mouthfeel, developing fragrantly and without tannic angles. Delicious length. Here again, the Cabernet Franc plays a major role”.
Vinous (A. Galloni - March 2021): 91/100 “The 2018 Haut-Simard is lively and expressive aromatically, with medium-weight structure and tons of verve. Sweet red cherry, blood orange, mint, sage, lavender and rose petals grace this vibrant, beautifully nuanced Saint-Emilion.”
Bought in 2008 by the Vauthier family, this cru, ideally situated between La Gaffelière and Canon La Gaffelière, has undergone major restructuring: the 10 hectares have been completely replanted to achieve a density worthy of a premier grand cru classé (12,600 vines per hectare).
The high proportion of Cabernet Franc in the blend (40%) tempers the sun-drenched nature of the terroir (south-facing), and gives the wines an elegant, long-lasting structure. Recent vintages have convinced us that Haut-Simard deserves urgent attention.
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Moulin Saint Georges...), Haut-Simard began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.
The 2016 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Martin - December 2019): 93/100 “The 2016 Haut-Simard has a top-notch bouquet of gorgeous, well*defined blackberry, briar and raspberry aromas that burst from the glass.[...] The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine density and concentration and a very fine line of acidity. The oak (30% new) is seamlessly integrated, with a long tail on the finish. This is the finest Haut-Simard I have tasted. Excellent.”
J-M Quarin (April 2017): 91/100 “Meticulous on the attack, developing refined to the touch and melting. The wine evolves juicy and noble with lots of flavor and a long, seductive finish. A delight!”