The 2012 Barde-Haut is dark, fleshy and voluptuous, with notable depth and resonance from the Merlot. Mocha, bittersweet chocolate, plums and spices all add nuance, but above all else, the 2012 is a wine of spherical texture and intensity. Give it a few years to fully unwind. The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, aged in 300-liter barrels, 80% of them new. Drink 2017-2027.
– Antonio Galloni (vinous.com, Jan 2016)

A dense and polished red for the vintage with dried strawberry, raspberry and chocolate character. Full body, firm tannins and a pretty finish. Needs two or three years to soften slightly but already impressive– jamessuckling.com, Feb 2015

The Barde Haut, 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the latter fermented in 500-litre Sylvain barrels and then transferred back into 500-litre barrels, has a lifted, rounded, quite sensual bouquet with a lot of fleshy, expressive Merlot fruit. It is modern in style, very pure and generous. The palate is nicely poised with sumptuous red berries, kirsch, a touch of white pepper and a nice grip on the finish that refrains from becoming over-powering. Excellent. – eRobertParker.com, April 2013

Offers lovely purity and mouthfeel, with notes of velvety plum, boysenberry and cherry preserves gliding easily. Features anise and ganache hints, with light charcoal and tobacco details on the finish. Shows well-integrated grip, and should cellar well. Best from 2017 through 2027. 3,330 cases made.– James Molesworth (WineSpectator.com, March 2015)

An excellent property from the Garcin family, Barde-Haut tends to be an over-achieving estate, with Hélène Garcin and her husband doing a terrific job with their vineyard planted with 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The 2012 has a dense ruby/purple color, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, and outstanding concentration, with slight, yet noticeable tannins in the finish keeping it still firm. This is a beautiful wine to drink over the next 10-12 years.
90 points – Robert Parker (eRobertParker.com, April 2015)

Quite tight and unyielding on the nose. Quite heavyweight palate, dense and concentrated but with juicy fruit and a firm structure. Quite pretty but still with robustness.

Dark greyish crimson. Lively cassis aroma. Bright and juicy and lots of pleasure without great complexity (yet). Supple and fresh to the end. – jancisrobinson.com, April 2013