Château Haut-Bailly 2019

Extremely aromatic, with incredible wet-earth, bark, stone and graphite notes on the nose, then changing to violets, blackberries and blackcurrants. Full-bodied, yet so linear and fine, with titanium tannins that go on so long. Builds and builds then just rolls around the palate through the endless finish. Real Bordeaux here. 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. Exceptional. Better after 2029.

This vintage expresses perfectly Haut-Bailly's “harmonious beauty of Yin and Yang”, it is absolutely a masterpiece of Chinese aesthetic

Haut-Bailly enters the scene on tiptoe. He positions himself slowly, takes his bearings then expresses himself, with confidence, grace and subtlety. There are no dominant notes, except finesse. Thus, it reveals floral, fruity and spicy nuances. The nose having laid the groundwork, the palate can only continue the path laid out at the olfactory level. Thus, it displays its tannins in a delicate but decisive manner. They are powerful and gain intensity along the palate to support their supremacy at the finish. Haut-Bailly shines with its ability to master wealth, generosity and power in a balanced, harmonious way. It is precise, serene, persistent and ready to challenge the decades to come. This is a great success. 2026-2060.

Intense color, with seductive black fruits on the attack. Quickly expands outwards in the mouth, so much depth with tiny pulses of electric flavor and grip. Feels very Haut-Bailly in its balance, energy and lift, with a clear savory edge. Harvest September 23 to October 10, with a yield of 49hl/ha after a year that was 2°C above average through every month of the growing season except May. 4% Petit Verdot completes the blend. -Jane Anson.