Tasting Notes

97
Inside Bordeaux Jane Anson - 11 Sep 24
Love the depth of the palate, this is delicious with a scrape of tannins that are ripe and powerful without straying over the line into heavy. Love the balance of this 2019, sculputed cassis and bilberry fruits, appealingly finessed and full of estate signature. Harvest September 23 to October 10. Axel Marchal and Valerie Lavigne consultants, Gabriel Vialard winemaker, Veronique Sanders director and CEO.
Drinking Date: 2026 - 2045
97
The Wine Independent Lisa Perrotti-Brown - 01 May 23
The 2019 Haut-Bailly has a deep garnet-purple color. It slowly emerges from the glass with notes of blackcurrant cordial, plum preserves, and cedar chest, followed by hints of cast-iron pan, dried Provence herbs, and pencil lead. The full-bodied palate has a firm, sturdy frame of grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, with an earthy finish. It was a little closed and broody compared to previous tastings, and I expect it will emerge from this phase in 4-6 years, blossoming gloriously.
Drinking Date: 2025 - 2055
96
Vinous Antonio Galloni - 01 Feb 22
The 2019 Haut-Bailly is a huge, powerful wine. There is plenty of the richness of this warm vintage, but a ton of tannin too. In most warmer years, Haut-Bailly can be a real charmer upfront, but in 2019 it's all about somber dark fruit, tannin and structure. A wine of breadth and power, Haut-Bailly will need many years in the cellar to truly blossom. It's unquestionably a big wine with a brilliant future. Bright aromatics lend freshness as the 2019 continues to open with air.
Drinking Date: 2029 - 2059
96
Vinous Neal Martin - 01 Feb 22
The 2019 Haut-Bailly, matured in 50% new oak and bottled in April 2021, has a stunning, classy and sophisticated bouquet of blackberry, melted tar, Earl Grey and light minerally scents. This is extremely focused, almost pixelated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, but there is real backbone and structure to this wine. Deep, intense, classy and classic in style, delivering an immense amount of sapidity on the enormously persistent finish. As I mentioned previously, this is a less flamboyant Haut-Bailly, but more intellectual.
Drinking Date: 2024 - 2055
Pessac-Léognan Fine Wine

Pessac-Leognan

Pessac-Léognan, an esteemed Bordeaux appellation in the Graves region, is renowned for both red and white wines. The reds are elegant and complex, with earthy notes, blackcurrant, plum, tobacco, and graphite, supported by refined tannins and excellent ageing potential. The whites, primarily from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, are fresh, aromatic, and balanced, with citrus, tropical fruit, and floral notes, plus a creamy texture from barrel ageing. Top producers include Château Haut-Brion, Château La Mission Haut-Brion, Château Smith Haut Lafitte, and Château Pape Clément.