Château Haut-Bailly
About Château Haut-Bailly
Château Haut-Bailly has had cultivated vines since 1461. Bought by the American Wilmers family in 1998; they kept the previous owners, the Sanders family, as estate managers with the brilliant Veronique Sanders as Managing Director. Together this team makes some of the softest most charming wines in the appellation.
Viniculture
Wines of Château Haut-Bailly’s are known for their consistency, which can be attributed to its excellent terroir in Pessac-Léognan and to the sheer effort and meticulous care taken to ensure excellence in quality. Its vineyard sits on the highest ridge in Pessac with a gentle gradient where the grapes from the 120-year old vines get the best exposure. Vines are individually marked, pruned and picked according to variety and age. And when the fruit arrives at the winery, grapes are hand-sorted to ensure only perfect grapes are used. All these measures translate into one of the biggest strengths of Haut-Bailly, which, according to Véronique Sanders (Director, Haut-Bailly), is that they “always outperform" in the region.
Since the stunning vintages of 2009 and 2010, Haut-Bailly has re-separated itself from the Pessec-Léognan pack to command higher scores and prices than many of its neighbours. We write “re-separate” because for a period up to 1920 Haut-Bailly actually sold at the same price as the First Growths! The 30ha vineyard has 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.
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Vinous - Neal Martin (91)
The 1989 Haut Bailly is a vintage that I have tasted several times, and one of my picks from the pre-Wilmers era despite some bottle variation. This is a good example, displaying quite a muted nose initially, but unfolding to reveal lovely sandalwood and sage aromas. It is much more rustic compared to the same wine nowadays, yet seductive. The palate of blackberry, black olives and cracked black pepper is quite harmonious, with satisfying depth, and after three decades, it continues to show commendable energy. While it lacks a little length, this remains a delightful Haut Bailly. Tasted at a private dinner in London.$186.00 -
(6x75cl) 2001James Suckling (92)
Some might prefer this to the excellent 2000. It’s just as dense and rich but perhaps doesn’t have the same intensity and complexity as the 2000. But a clearly outstanding wine. Full body with plenty of dark fruits, chocolate and hints of earth. Drink or hold.$551.00 -
(1x75cl) 2002Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90-92)
(like the 2003, this is just under 13% alcohol; was to have been bottled in mid-April) Good ruby-red. Pure, tight aromas of spicy black fruits and licorice. Primary and bright, with pure, cabernet-dominated flavors of currant and spice. Has extract, but comes across as a rather masculine Haut-Bailly, with very firm acids. Finishes persistent, firm and aromatic. Likely to develop in bottle for 15 to 20 years.$228.00 -
Wine Advocate (91)
I remember being worried about how well the 2003 Haut-Bailly would turn out, but it has aged beautifully. Made from a final blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, it currently offers fresh tobacco leaf, red and black currant notes, and hints of burning embers and charcoal. Having put on weight over the last eleven years, it is more complete and fuller than I expected. Enjoy this pretty, luscious, fully mature 2003 over the next decade.$127.00 -
(1x150cl) 2004Wine Advocate (93)
The 2004 Haut-Bailly is a candidate for the finest wine of the appellation. Its dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by classic aromas of scorched earth, sweet black currants, cherries, and a hint of pain grille. Light on its feet, but substantially flavored, it possesses stunning purity, good acidity, ripe tannin, and abundant flavor as well as length. It builds incrementally and subtly in the mouth, but it’s the real deal. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2024.$202.00 -
(1x75cl) 2004
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2004 Haut-Bailly is a candidate for the finest wine of the appellation. Its dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by classic aromas of scorched earth, sweet black currants, cherries, and a hint of pain grille. Light on its feet, but substantially flavored, it possesses stunning purity, good acidity, ripe tannin, and abundant flavor as well as length. It builds incrementally and subtly in the mouth, but it’s the real deal. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2024.$128.05 -
(1x75cl) 2005Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The 2005 Haut-Bailly is unbelievably finessed from start to finish. A wine of unreal class, the 2005 impresses with its silky, mid-weight personality and fantastic balance. The aromatics aren’t fully expressive today, but everything else about the 2005 is absolutely irresistible. Despite its considerable charm, Haut-Bailly comes across as still needing time in bottle to be at its best! In a vintage in which so many wines are extroverted, Haut-Bailly retains an air of elegance and understatement. The best is clearly yet to come.$156.00 -
$861.00
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(1x75cl) 2008
Wine Advocate (96)
A candidate for the -wine of the vintage,- the 2008 Haut-Bailly possesses incredible complexity. Tell-tale notes of lead pencil shavings, charcoal, damp earth, black cherries and black currants intermixed with a hint of subtle barbecue smoke are present in this classic, quintessential Graves. Medium-bodied with an emerging, precocious complexity, it is a super-pure, beautifully textured, long wine that can be drunk now or cellared for 20-25 years. Bravo!$108.05 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
The 2009 has a creamy edge to it without being heavy, more than proving the quality of this vintage at 15 years on. Taut, precise, dark cherry and cassis fruits, campfire smoke, crayon and crushed rocks, balanced and finessed. One to seek out, this is full of textured, slate-filled tannins, and is utterly delicious. Harvest September 15 to October 14. 60% new oak. Denis Dubourdieu consultant, Gabriel Vialard winemaker.$2,050.00 -
(6x150cl) 2009
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
The 2009 has a creamy edge to it without being heavy, more than proving the quality of this vintage at 15 years on. Taut, precise, dark cherry and cassis fruits, campfire smoke, crayon and crushed rocks, balanced and finessed. One to seek out, this is full of textured, slate-filled tannins, and is utterly delicious. Harvest September 15 to October 14. 60% new oak. Denis Dubourdieu consultant, Gabriel Vialard winemaker.$2,845.00 -
(6x150cl) 2010Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2010 Château Haut-Bailly is based on 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that was brought up in 50% new French oak. It's a powerhouse of an Haut-Bailly that still brings incredible purity, precision, and elegance. Spicy currants, loamy earth, graphite, cigar, and savory floral notes all define the aromatics, and it's concentrated, has full-bodied richness, a deep, layered mid-palate, and ultra-fine tannins. It's a singular, sensational wine from this team that's just now at the early stages of its prime drinking window. It needs an hour in a decanter if drinking anytime soon and has another 40-50 years of overall longevity. Drink 2025-2065.$2,045.00 -
(12x75cl) 2011
Wine Advocate (94+)
The saturated ruby/purple-hued 2011 Haut-Bailly exhibits a glorious, subtle, noble set of aromatics consisting of red and black currants, sweet cherries, graphite, truffles and a faint hint of wood spice. The wine hits the palate with the profound elegance and purity that have become so much a characteristic under Wilmers and Sanders. Still youthful, with good acidity and freshness, this brilliant, medium-bodied 2011 needs another 4-5 years of bottle age, and should evolve effortlessly for 20-25 years.$886.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The 2012 Haut Bailly is quite fragrant and inviting. Dark raspberries, mint, crushed flowers, spices and rose petals all lift from the glass in this feminine, gracious Haut-Bailly that offers considerable near and medium-term appeal. All the elements fall into place in an effortless, stunningly beautiful wine endowed with personality and class. One of the wines of the vintage, the Haut Bailly will drink well for two decades-plus. This is a superb showing from proprietor Bob Wilmers and his team headed by Véronique Sanders. The decision to lower temperatures in fermentation and go for a soft, gentle extraction, along with strict selection has paid off big time.$517.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90-93)
Grilled herbs, smoke, plums, savory herbs and graphite emerge from the glass in the 2013 Haut-Bailly. Wonderfully deep and resonant for the year, the 2013 possesses lovely balance and plenty of personality. A final burst of new leather, violets red plums and smoke lingers on the close. In 2013 Haut Bailly speaks to finesse above all else. It's as simple as that. In 2013, the blend is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc.$711.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90-93)
Grilled herbs, smoke, plums, savory herbs and graphite emerge from the glass in the 2013 Haut-Bailly. Wonderfully deep and resonant for the year, the 2013 possesses lovely balance and plenty of personality. A final burst of new leather, violets red plums and smoke lingers on the close. In 2013 Haut Bailly speaks to finesse above all else. It's as simple as that. In 2013, the blend is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc.$106.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The 2014 Haut-Bailly has turned out beautifully. Dark, sumptuous and expressive, the 2014 exudes depth and finesse. Ample and resonant on the palate, with striking depth, the 2014 possesses exceptional balance and class. Hints of smoke, tobacco and licorice infuse the deep, creamy finish.$1,010.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The 2014 Haut-Bailly has turned out beautifully. Dark, sumptuous and expressive, the 2014 exudes depth and finesse. Ample and resonant on the palate, with striking depth, the 2014 possesses exceptional balance and class. Hints of smoke, tobacco and licorice infuse the deep, creamy finish.$612.00 -
(1x75cl) 2014Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The 2014 Haut-Bailly has turned out beautifully. Dark, sumptuous and expressive, the 2014 exudes depth and finesse. Ample and resonant on the palate, with striking depth, the 2014 possesses exceptional balance and class. Hints of smoke, tobacco and licorice infuse the deep, creamy finish.$120.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The 2014 Haut-Bailly has turned out beautifully. Dark, sumptuous and expressive, the 2014 exudes depth and finesse. Ample and resonant on the palate, with striking depth, the 2014 possesses exceptional balance and class. Hints of smoke, tobacco and licorice infuse the deep, creamy finish.$551.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
Griottle cherry, deeply fruited, blackberry and raspberry, edges of pomegranate, tobacco leaf, rosemary, cigar box and cedar, with a core of spiced sage and rosemary. The first modern vintage to have Petit Verdot in any great quantity (there has always been a handful from the library plot of century-old vines but in quantities that are too small to be recorded as part of the blend). Harvest September 15 to October 8. Denis Dubourdieu consultant, Gabriel Vialard winemaker.$1,260.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
Griottle cherry, deeply fruited, blackberry and raspberry, edges of pomegranate, tobacco leaf, rosemary, cigar box and cedar, with a core of spiced sage and rosemary. The first modern vintage to have Petit Verdot in any great quantity (there has always been a handful from the library plot of century-old vines but in quantities that are too small to be recorded as part of the blend). Harvest September 15 to October 8. Denis Dubourdieu consultant, Gabriel Vialard winemaker.$585.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
Structured, powerful, balanced, a fabulous Haut-Bailly that speaks of the effortless elegance of this place, yet with the concentration and power of the vintage. Great stuff, just a stunning wine. Denis Dubourdieu last year as consultant, Gabriel Vialard winemaker, Véronique Sanders director, 55% new oak for ageing.$2,620.00 -
(1x600cl) 2016Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
Structured, powerful, balanced, a fabulous Haut-Bailly that speaks of the effortless elegance of this place, yet with the concentration and power of the vintage. Great stuff, just a stunning wine. Denis Dubourdieu last year as consultant, Gabriel Vialard winemaker, Véronique Sanders director, 55% new oak for ageing.$911.00 -
(3x300cl) 2016Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
Structured, powerful, balanced, a fabulous Haut-Bailly that speaks of the effortless elegance of this place, yet with the concentration and power of the vintage. Great stuff, just a stunning wine. Denis Dubourdieu last year as consultant, Gabriel Vialard winemaker, Véronique Sanders director, 55% new oak for ageing.$1,505.00 -
(6x150cl) 2016Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
Structured, powerful, balanced, a fabulous Haut-Bailly that speaks of the effortless elegance of this place, yet with the concentration and power of the vintage. Great stuff, just a stunning wine. Denis Dubourdieu last year as consultant, Gabriel Vialard winemaker, Véronique Sanders director, 55% new oak for ageing.$1,870.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
Structured, powerful, balanced, a fabulous Haut-Bailly that speaks of the effortless elegance of this place, yet with the concentration and power of the vintage. Great stuff, just a stunning wine. Denis Dubourdieu last year as consultant, Gabriel Vialard winemaker, Véronique Sanders director, 55% new oak for ageing.$737.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (96)
Bold and dense, this wine is packed with tannins, ripe berry flavors and intense black fruit notes. Impressive, it is showing richness now and a fine future. Rich tannins and a firm dry core will allow the wine to age well.$790.00 -
(1x75cl) 2017Wine Enthusiast (96)
Bold and dense, this wine is packed with tannins, ripe berry flavors and intense black fruit notes. Impressive, it is showing richness now and a fine future. Rich tannins and a firm dry core will allow the wine to age well.$114.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (96)
Bold and dense, this wine is packed with tannins, ripe berry flavors and intense black fruit notes. Impressive, it is showing richness now and a fine future. Rich tannins and a firm dry core will allow the wine to age well.$393.00
