2019 Château Haut Bailly

99 POINTS

James Suckling

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.

98 POINTS

James Suckling

Such totally graceful perfumes to this, showing currants, dried flowers and stones, as well as hints of forest fruit and subtle tar, asphalt and smoke. Full-bodied, yet the texture is pristine with intense, polished and fine-grained tannins. So long, flavorful and ever so beautiful. The finish is never ending. This really is something special. 56% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. Points: 98-99

97 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

The wine has precision, power and density, concentration and layer upon layer of fruit. The wine's spicy edge complements the impressive tannins, ripe texture and certainly promises much for the future. It will age well, drink from 2026.

97 POINTS

Jane Anson - Decanter

Intense colour, with seductive black fruits on the attack. Quickly expands outwards in the mouth, so much depth with tiny pulses of electric flavour and grip. Feels very Haut-Bailly in its balance, energy and lift, with a clear savoury 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.

96 POINTS

Peter Moser - Falstaff

Dark ruby, purple reflections, subtle ochre brightening on the rim. A very closed bouquet with tobacco, hints of lemon balm, liquorice and blackberry undertones but savoury, earthy nuances dominate the fruit. Powerful on the palate, sweet plum, the savoury notes again, good freshness and dark nougat on the finish. Somewhat encapsulated at the moment, merely hinting at its great ageing potential, please wait until at least 2030. (Store +40)

95 POINTS

Peter Moser - Falstaff

Dark ruby, opaque core, violet hues, softly paler at the rim. Scents of dark berry jam underlaid with a hint of hardwood, delicate cassis, subtle cherry notes followed by mild hints of chocolate, candied orange zest. Complex, juicy, dark fruit nuances, well-integrated, well-supporting tannins, expressive and long lasting, mineral, marked by a hint of Petit Verdot spice in the finish. Good ageing potential.