Château Haut-Bailly 2025

Deep, floral, violet, cherries, fresh herbs, cool blackberry, mineral undertones; a fruity opening, then it builds on the mid-palate into an impressive wine that combines structure, texture and perfectly ripe fruit. The tannins are of the highest quality, the acidity keeps it fresh, the wine seems to hover over the tongue; salty, full of finesse and great elegance on the finish. This Haut-Bailly is among the best ever produced here and is, in a way, the quintessence of classicism combined with new climatic conditions.

Lovely floral aromatics with an abundance of rose petals. Supple and so smooth, silky tannins and really vibrant red cherry fruit. Quite a brilliant and energetic style. Plump but juicy with acidity that gives a clear backbone and drive. I love the slightly fuller expression, it’s not lacking in depth or attitude and fills the mouth with a fleshy grip yet still lifted, bright and so cool. Impressive. Haut Bailly has been one of the more delicate wines in recent vintages and this is a little more upfront, lively and characterful and I love it for that – while still keeping elegance and refinement. Ripe, punchy, bright, forward. A great success. 4% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

Initially, you notice a mélange of red, with black cherries, before diving into the flowers, black raspberries, tobacco, and smoke. The palate is the showstopper, with its sweetness, elegance, and gorgeous purity in the fruit. Light on its feet, long, and vibrant, it offers lift, balance, and refinement. While this is not the most powerful vintage of Haut Bailly, it could be the most elegant. With just a few years in the cellar, it will be gorgeous to savor for at least two to three decades of evolution with pleasure. The key to the vintage was the hot, dry summer, paired with the late August rains. The wine blends 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. 13.5% ABV. pH 3.67. The harvest took place from September 4 to September 22. Yields were quite low at 26 hectoliters per hectare. 3% press wine. Drink from 2030-2060. 96-98 Pts

From the very first aromas, revealing energy, complexity and finesse is a sure sign of greatness and harmony. Even before tasting the wine, a sense of confidence and delight naturally sets in. Notes of tomato leaf and Sichuan pepper highlight the freshness, while aromas of violets, black cherries, blackberries and, finally, a hint of graphite underscore its complexity. Slightly creamy on the attack, the wine gradually unfolds across the palate. It develops in a linear fashion, supported by the valuable contribution of its ageing and tannic structure, which form the backbone of the mid-palate—though in truth they underpin the entire palate. The fine-grained tannins are perfectly in step with a structuring acidity that also delivers a juicy, slightly saline finish. A Haut-Bailly of extraordinary precision, impressive for its serenity in an otherwise challenging context, with an outstanding result. It will undoubtedly be part of the Haut-Bailly Hall of Fame! I also believe that ageing will allow it to sharpen its finish even further, to carry through the energy built up along the tasting arc, and to conclude with greater length and renewed aromatic impact.

Deep, intense dark red color. Highly aromatic, refined and pure nose, with a hint of wet leather. It gains in complexity with aeration. Notes of licorice and cherry. Extremely precise on the attack, with incredible finesse on the palate, the wine unfolds slowly—broad, complete and juicy—offering a mysterious impression of delicate power. Long, subtle finish, full of flavor, with tannins that feel almost weightless. A delightful whole. Blend: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot. Alcohol: 13.3% – pH: 3.67. 3% press wine. Harvest: September 4 to 22.