Château Haut-Bailly 2023

Profound, cool in expression, crystal-clear Cabernet fruit—blackberry, cherry, cassis, violet—underpinned by a stony nuance; powerful on the palate, with flesh on the bones, yet remaining elegant, silky tannins caressing the fruit; an exceptionally long finish, ending on red berries and licorice. An excellent, charming Haut-Bailly that will be a delight at every stage of its life.

Such pretty aromatics, gorgeous florally on the nose – roses and peonies, blackcurrant leaf, cranberries and cherries with some plum and dark chocolate too. Soft and smooth, sumptuous like Haut-Bailly usually is. Juicy and plump for the vintage, it keeps its defined frame thanks to fine tannins with slightly sharp edges but it also has some softness with ripe fruit and lots of freshness. This is a real success, slightly warm on the finish and a little toasted but this has finesse and complexity with layers of flavour and texture. Stylish and confident. pH 3.75. 6% press wine. 55% grand vin production. Ageing 14–15 months, 50% new oak. 4% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

Flowers, blackberries, camphor, black raspberries, blackberries, cherries and smoke aromatics are all over the place. On the palate, the wine offers vibrancy paired with elegant, firm tannins, and fabulous levels of purity in the fruits. The length and expansiveness is impossible to ignore. The silky, refined finish leaves you with black raspberries, and black cherries coupled with , with a refreshing touch of mint in the endnote that makes you want to take another sip. This is even better than it was in barrel, which is always a positive sign. The wine blends 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 4% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2029-2060.

58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot, 40 hl/ha, 14.3% abv. What a seductive nose: blackcurrant, dark cherry, marjoram and wild sage, with light tobacco behind, delicate graphite notes and cranberry juice. On the complex palate it is tautly focused with a velvety texture and a tight-knit tannic framework, building plenty of tension, with balanced verve in a well-trained body. The concentrated, long-lasting finish shows small black berries, dark minerality and a noble astringency. It reminds me of the nimble Muhammad Ali. Clearly belongs to the top tier in Pessac-Léognan.

Inky plum colour, so effortless, incredibly savoury and moreish, salted cracker and cocoa bean, fine plentiful tannins, with plenty of hidden depths. Feels like a wine you know you’ll be thrilled to drink in years to come. High floral aromatics unwind as you sit with the glass, showing pure rosebud and liquorice, with chalky tannins that are supple, refined and grained. 50% new oak. Harvest September 11 to 29.

Score: 96–98. A restrained nose with pretty red fruits just peeking through, along with plums and wild strawberries. Creamy on the palate, it reveals the signature velvety caress of Haut-Bailly. A subtle, discreet wine, displaying sensational freshness, salinity, and elegance for a modern palate. It stays true to its identity: bravo. Supremely elegant.

Pure and radiant! Its brilliant, velvety violet hue opens onto an exuberant bouquet of blackberry, bramble, strawberry jam, wild strawberry, blackcurrant bud, and black cherry. The elongated, full texture is exceptional, with defined structure, integrated silky tannins, and impressive length; the whole is highly sapid, indulgent, fresh, and mineral, with a powdery mouthfeel. Pure house style and great class. With 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and 4% each of Franc and Petit Verdot, the blend plays perfectly to the vintage’s strengths.

96-98. Barrel Sample. The wine has dark fruit and smoky aromas, with ripe black-currants and rich tannins. This is a fine vintage showing the complexity from this estate. It is full bodied but with layers of acidity to keep it fresh. Impressive and ageworthy.