CHÂTEAU HAUT BAILLY

Elegance and sophistication are front and center in the 2019 Haut-Bailly. A wine of finesse and understatement, the 2019 reveals itself slowly in the glass. Graphite, crushed rocks, lavender, blackberry and lavender are some of the nuances that develop over time, but more than anything else, the 2019 is all about focus, persistence and simply exquisite overall balance. It is easily one of the highlights of the vintage. Rating: 95-97 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Jun 2020)

Composed of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2019 Haut-Bailly was harvested from the 23rd of September to 11th of October. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with vivacious notes of blackcurrant cordial, black raspberries and plum preserves with a tantalizing undercurrent of candied violets, dark chocolate, menthol and licorice plus a touch of Chinese five spice. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is achingly elegant, showing off perfumed black fruit layers with a firm frame of very fine-grained, silt-like tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with incredible persistence and fragrance. Just magic. Rating: 97-99 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, RobertParker.com (Jun 2020)

Well within itself but complex, compelling and racy. Cool, fresh and reserved on the nose but with a density of dark fruit apparent. Lively, vibrant palate, the fruit juicy, pure and substantial, the abundant tannins lithe and long. Dry, clean, minerally finish. Good persistence and drive. Drinking range: 2027 - 2045 Rating: 17.5+ James Lawther MW, www.JancisRobinson.com (Jun 2020)

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. Drinking range: 2024 - 2055 Rating: 96-98 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Jun 2020)

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. Drinking range: 2028 - 2042 Rating: 97 Jane Anson, Decanter (Jun 2020)

A stunning wine in the making, the 2019 Château Haut-Bailly sports a deep purple hue as well lots of smoky black and blue fruits, unsmoked tobacco, cedar pencil, violets, and gravelly earth. Showing the quintessential elegance and purity of this terroir, it's medium to full-bodied, has no hard edges, and delivers wonderful purity of fruit and a great, great finish. It reminds me of a slightly more elegant 2009 and is a beautiful, singular wine from this estate, which is being run brilliantly by Veronique Sanders. It will benefit from just short-term cellaring yet drink well for 40+ years. Drinking range: 2021 - 2062 Rating: 96-98 Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (Jun 2020)

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. Rating: 98-99 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2020)