Chateau Haut-Bailly 2019 375mL
(Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France) - [JS 99] [TWI 97+] [VM 97] [WE 97] [WA 96+] [DM 96] [JD 96]

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 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 4% 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.

Ratings & Reviews

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." (Dec 2022)

97+ Points - The Wine Independent:
"The 2019 Haut-Bailly has a deep garnet-purple color. It slowly emerges from the glass with notes of blackcurrant cordial, plum preserves, and cedar chest, followed by hints of cast-iron pan, dried Provence herbs, and pencil lead. The full-bodied palate has a firm, sturdy frame of grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, with an earthy finish. It was a little closed and broody compared to previous tastings, and I expect it will emerge from this phase in 4-6 years, blossoming gloriously." - LPB (May 2025)

97 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2019 Haut-Bailly was picked 23 September to 10 October. After 10-15 minutes in the glass the wine gradually unfurls to reveal beautiful red berry fruit, crushed stone, wilted rose petals and faint hints of blueberry. The palate is quite brilliantly balanced, the tannins extremely fine and framing the slightly earthy black fruit laced with salt. Though Véronique Sanders suggests that it bears a semblance to the 2009 with more depth, I cannot see that verisimilitude. To me, it is a less flamboyant and more terroir expressive Haut-Bailly that has an effortless allure and a sense of sophistication. Wonderful. (Drink between 2024-2055)" - Neal Martin (Jun 2020)

97 Points - 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." - Roger Voss (Oct 2022)

96+ Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2019 Haut-Bailly unwinds in the glass with complex aromas of dark berries, bay leaf, loamy soil and cigar wrapper, framed by a discreet patina of new oak. Full-bodied, velvety and elegantly muscular, it's powerful and concentrated, with lively acids and an abundance of ripe but youthfully assertive structuring tannin that will demand some patience." - William Kelley (Apr 2022)

96 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"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." - Jane Anson (May 2020)

96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2019 Château Haut-Bailly is more restrained and elegant, which is the vintage. Still vivid purple-hued with pure and vibrant notes of red and black fruit, sandalwood, minty herbs, and flowers, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, layered, elegant mouthfeel, undeniable minerality, and a gorgeous finish. This classy, utterly classic Haut-Bailly will continue to evolve gracefully for another 30+ years." (Oct 2023)