Chateau Haut-Bailly - Pessac Leognan 2022 (Pre-arrival)

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Chateau Haut-Bailly Description

For over four centuries, Château Haut-Bailly has overlooked a 30 hectare vineyard in a single block entirely devoted to producing red wine. Haut-Bailly’s reputation as one of the great wines of Bordeaux dates from the 19th century, and the word “outstanding” most often associated with the château reflects its superb quality.

In July 1998 Chateau Haut-Bailly was purchased by American Robert G. Wilmers and is today managed by Véronique Sanders, fourth generation, to serve as general manager, overseeing a far-reaching investment programme to modernise the vineyards, cellars, offices, and chateau itself. Following the sad passing of Bob in December 2017, the management team is committed to continuing Bob’s work in the same spirit and energy as in the past twenty years. With the 2021 vintage, Chateau Haut-Bailly debuted a contemporary, custom-built winery. The building allows them to carry out precision work in optimal conditions. Thr future looks bright at Chateau Haut-Bailly.

Decanter: 96 Points

Fragranced nose, purple fruits, blackcurrants, juniper, liquorice, crushed stones, salt, violets, roses, dark chocolate and cherries - perfumed, alive and expressive. Smooth, but generous with crunchy fruit and salty touches that come in and coat the super fine tannins with a powdery sensation that really fills the mouth. Nice terroir aspects, smooth, well textured and elegantly weighted. Gives dark fruit, subtle savoury tones with dark chocolate and herbal aspects giving nuance. Excellent length and freshness, it's graceful but almost a bit light in terms of fruit density and plushness - although the tannins are exceptional, really so sleek and silky with definition and detail. Feels well worked, gentle, confident and shiny. It's missing a touch more excitement and juicy liveliness but it’s extremely finessed and you can't fault the attention to detail of the tannins and the moreish quality they give. Great potential. 3.92pH. 2% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. A yield of 30hl/ha. Consultants Christophe Olivier and Axel Marchal. Harvest 7-27 September. (GH)

Vinous: 96-98 Points

The 2022 Haut-Bailly was picked between 7 and 27 September and underwent a four-week cuvaison, taking longer to consume the sugar and was matured in 50% new oak. It has a bouquet that compels you just to sit and contemplate. It gradually unfolds with blackberry, raspberry, potpourri and iris flower scents, well-defined, not showy but suave. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins. Minerals, black pepper and clove off a gentle grip with an impressive crescendo. It will need a decade in bottle. This Haut-Bailly has a haunting beauty, the kind of wine that will bring people to tears! (NM)