Chateau Haut-Bailly 2010
(Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France) - [JD 100] [JS 98] [VM 96] [WA 95] [WS 95] [WE 95]

About the Château:
Château Haut-Bailly is one of the most prestigious Crus Classés de Graves, situated at the gateway to the city of Bordeaux. Its 30-hectare (74-acre) vineyard lies at the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, on the left bank of the Garonne river.

The mosaic-like vineyard is composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Certain plots lie a full 20 metres higher than others, demonstrating the topological diversity for which Haut-Bailly is famous, and which allows for consistently superb quality. The variety of soils and the balance between higher and lower plots, which put greater or lesser hydric stress upon the vines, gives Haut-Bailly a unique ability to adapt and perform in both wetter and drier vintages.

The vintage is powerful with very long ageing potential; it has a condensed complex structure sustained by a dazzling freshness, ideal concentration combined with superb maturity. 2010 has already earned its place among the greatest Bordeaux.

Ratings & Reviews

100 Points – Jeb Dunnuck:
“The 2010 Château Haut-Bailly is based on 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that was brought up in 50% new French oak. It's a powerhouse of an Haut-Bailly that still brings incredible purity, precision, and elegance. Spicy currants, loamy earth, graphite, cigar, and savory floral notes all define the aromatics, and it's concentrated, has full-bodied richness, a deep, layered mid-palate, and ultra-fine tannins. It's a singular, sensational wine from this team that's just now at the early stages of its prime drinking window. It needs an hour in a decanter if drinking anytime soon and has another 40-50 years of overall longevity. Drink 2025-2065.” (Jun 2025)

98 Points - James Suckling:
“Great aromas of crushed blackberries with flowers and stones that follow through to a full body, with super silky tannins and a long, long finish. It fills your mouth with beautiful fruit and velvety tannins yet shows tension and form. This lasts for minutes on the palate. Structured and superb. Don't touch until 2020.” (Nov 2013)

96 Points – Vinous Media:
“The 2010 Haut-Bailly has an outstanding bouquet with intense blackberry, briary, crushed stone and subtle violet scents, more backwards and more precise than the previous vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and firm grip. Layers of tar and tobacco are infused with black fruit and a touch of liquorice on the finish. This is a Haut-Bailly on another level from previous vintages that will age with style. Superb. Tasted at the Haut-Bailly vertical at the château.” - Neal Martin (Apr 2022)

95 Points - Wine Advocate:
“The 2010 Haut Bailly has consistently been a fantastic wine, and at seven years of age I have no reason to alter that view. It has a mixture of red and black fruit on the nose, wet stone, black olive and a light marine influence. It is still backward compared to other vintages, but it has not relinquished one iota of its intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. This is a voluminous Haut Bailly, one that is beginning to stretch its muscles, with a gentle grip in the mouth with a wonderful saline finish. There is huge potential locked into this wine, but patience is needed. Tasted March 2017.” - Neal Martin (Jul 2017)

95 Points - Wine Spectator:
“Chewy and brambly, but integrated, this carries a very hefty core of espresso, ganache, mulled plum and blackberry fruit. The purity starts to shine through on the finish, which drips with cassis and is threaded with a long warm paving stone note. Tight and backward today, this extremely well-built wine will need substantial cellaring. Best from 2018 through 2035.” – JM (Mar 2013)

95 Points & Cellar Selection - Wine Enthusiast:
“A powerful and complex wine from an estate performing on its top form. Solid tannins, layers of wood and dark fruits combine to give a wine that offers both richness and a dense structure. This Haut-Bailly should age impressively and for many years.” – Roger Voss (May 2013)