2022 Haut Bailly
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Tasting notes
This year’s Haut-Bailly is a rich and imposing wine that needs time and air to reveal itself. The nose is tight, layered with ripe damson, candied violet and dark bramble fruit. There’s real vibrancy to the palate framed by immense, firm tannins, with a moreish, saline mineral note that refines the long finish. Blend: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc
Critic scores
Average Score
Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
A youthfully reticent bouquet of licorice, pencil lead, spices and dark berries prefaces the 2022 Haut-Bailly, a medium to full-bodied, layered and structured wine with a concentrated core of lively fruit framed by youthfully firm tannins. Concluding with a long, energetic and pencil lead-inflected finish, the 2022 has gained in elegance and integration during élevage, yet it will require time to fully mellow and realize its full potential.
Looking at the Grand Vin, the 2022 Château Haut-Bailly checks in as 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc all raised in 50% new French oak. Its deeper ruby hue is followed by a gorgeously classic Haut-Bailly nose of red and black currants, savory flowers, dried herbs, and chocolate. Reminding me of the 2009 (or maybe a mix of the 2009 and 2010) with its opulent, sexy, yet concentrated style, it still stays flawlessly balanced and light on its feet, with no sensation of weight, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It needs to be hidden in the back of the cellar for 5-7 years and will keep for 40+ years if well stored.
Maintains estate signature, with its silky, velvety tannins, a moment of quiet amid the exuberance of the vintage. Crushed rose petals, dark fruits, slate and crayon, with fennel, incense, finessed tannins, a reflection of the vintage without straying into exuberance. Great winemaking on display. 50% new oak for ageing, harvest September 7 to 27. Veronique Sanders estate director, Gabriel Vialard winemaker.
About the producer
Quality at this château, now one of Pessac-Léognan’s leading wine estates, has risen exponentially under the reign of Véronique Sanders, with the property known for crafting wines of elegance and poise.