Chateau Haut Plaisance Montagne Saint-Emilion (2020)
A Well Structured and Supple Bordeaux Red from the Right Bank.
By this point in the cruise, I had pretty much decided I was in love with the Bordeaux Blanc I had been ordering and was fully prepared to stick with it for the rest of the trip. Thankfully, I was encouraged to try something different, because Château Haut Plaisance Montagne Saint-Émilion turned out to be a great choice.
Predominantly Merlot-driven, with support from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, this cuvée had an elegance that I noticed almost immediately. Nothing felt overly intense—not the aroma, the taste, or even the color. Instead, everything seemed balanced and refined. It had enough structure and character to keep my attention while still having that old-world refinement I associate with Bordeaux.
And honestly, everything about this wine felt elegant, right down to the bottle. Drinking it while cruising through such a scenic part of Bordeaux only made the experience more vivid. There are some wines where the setting becomes part of the memory, and this was definitely one of them.
What surprised me even more was the value. This is the kind of bottle that, for me, could easily hold its own next to considerably more expensive wines. It had the balance, presentation, and sophistication I would expect from something at a higher price point—which made discovering it on the cruise that much better.
Tasting Notes
87%
Verdict Deep ruby in color with a balanced, elegant aroma that isn’t overly intense. Smooth and refined on the palate, with supple fruit, subtle earthy character, and well-integrated tannins. A balanced finish with that distinctive old-world Bordeaux refinement.
