Château Haut-Bailly 2017

Purplish purple. Intense and complex bouquet with notes of blackcurrant, grenadines and raspberries. Touch of pepper and peppermint. Compact, lively attack. On the palate the body has muscle and presents a good fruity intensity. The tannins are tight, powerful and reveal themselves slowly. They have the necessary material to stand up to the liveliness of the structure. The power comes from the Cabernet Sauvignon. A very promising wine with very good aging potential. Lingering fruity finish. 2024–2052

This reminds me of 2001 more than most wines I've tasted, and perhaps it's no surprise that a vintage that required a skilful touch and a belief in the power of elegance should do well at Haut-Bailly. It's hugely pure and restrained, with great aromatics and extremely well placed bilberry, blackcurrant and mulberry fruits. The tannins are fine and poised, set against cigar Wooden box with touches of charcoal and slate. They build through the palate, but remain slightly austere on the finish, with a bounce to them that suggests they are going to age beautifully. They kept the vineyard team for three weeks in July, because the vines kept throwing out green shoots after the June rains. Harvested 13-29 September, the vines were around two weeks ahead all the way through the season. The yield was 28hl/ha overall, but only 2hl/ha on the frosted parts, compared to 40hl/ha for the unaffected areas, 50% of production going into the grand vin. Malo was finished by the end of November, but the vats are still separated and there will be final blend in May 2018 (which is what they always do). 4% of Cabernet Franc finishes the blend given below. Drinking Window 2026 - 2042

A firm and silky red with a medium to full body, a solid center palate and a long and integrated finish. Very fine, polished and refined. Creamy tannins. Hints of bitter orange.

Dark, intense, beautiful color. Fine, fruity, pure and ripe nose. Ample on the attack, juicy in the mid-palate, fragrant, but still a little discreet at this age in its expression, the wine stands out especially on the finish with good length and fine grain. Of the frame. Blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot. Frost reduced the harvest by 30%.