2022, Château Haut-Bailly, PESSAC-LÉOGNAN, Grand Cru Classé de Graves

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc

This Pessac-Léognan property of 30 hectares is managed by Véronique Sanders. Blend in 2022 is 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc.

Stunning aromatics, with crushed roses and fragrant spice, edges of incense and gunsmoke. On the palate the fruits are intense cassis and bilberry, dusted with cocoa and liquorice root , and shot through with gentle acidities of pomegrante, mandarin peel, saffran and slate. Concentrated dark rosemary on the finish, this is so well judged, effortlessly impressive, a little atypical of Haut-Bailly in that there is less austerity to the tannic architecture than in the more understated vintages but it captures the finessed heart of the property, and will age for decades. 50% of the vines here are over 50 years or 60 years old, helping them withstand the heat. 2nd vintage in the new cellar. 97 Jane Anson.

Incredible complexity of aromas here with ripe currants and blackberries, but also dried flowers like violets and roses. Then there’s forest flower character such as bark, mushroom and sandalwood. Black truffles. Full-bodied with tight and chewy tannins that are polished and pure, with a solid and tight finish. It builds on your palate and frames the wine beautifully. 97-98 James Suckling.

The 2022 Haut-Bailly has a bouquet that compels you just to sit and contemplate. It gradually unfolds with blackberry, raspberry, potpourri and iris flower scents, well-defined, not showy but suave. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins. Minerals, black pepper and clove off a gentle grip with an impressive crescendo. It will need a decade in bottle. This Haut-Bailly has a haunting beauty, the kind of wine that will bring people to tears!  96-98 Neal Martin, Vinous.

Fragrant notes of kirsch, warm cassis, black raspberries, and underbrush, followed by hints of star anise, peonies, graphite, and wood smoke. The full-bodied palate is densely laden with ripe, expressive black fruit and earthy accents, framed by firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and minerally. 96-98 Lisa Perrotti-Brown.

Drinking Window: 2033 - 2065