Château Haut-Bailly 2018

Château Haut-Bailly stands as a beacon of viticultural excellence in the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation within Bordeaux, France. It was acquired by the late American banker Robert Wilmers and is currently owned by his family.

Nestled on the left bank of the Garonne River, Château Haut-Bailly boasts vineyards that are meticulously tended, producing grapes of exceptional quality. The estate's terroir, marked by gravelly soils and a favorable microclimate, imparts unique characteristics to the wines, resulting in a portfolio that reflects the essence of Pessac-Léognan.

The château's winemaking philosophy seamlessly marries tradition with innovation. With a heritage dating back centuries, Château Haut-Bailly embraces modern techniques to ensure the wines achieve their fullest expression while respecting the integrity of the land.

Visitors to Château Haut-Bailly are treated to a sensory journey through the vineyards, cellars, and, ultimately, the glass. The estate's wines are celebrated for their balance, complexity, and the ability to age gracefully, embodying the timeless allure of Bordeaux.

Château Haut-Bailly's enduring legacy in the world of wine is a testament to its unwavering pursuit of excellence and its role in defining the standards for Pessac-Léognan and Bordeaux wines as a whole.

"I seriously considered putting one more point on the 2018 Château Haut-Bailly, and for all practical purposes, it's as good as it gets. Based on 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, it has a majestic, full-bodied, multi-dimensional profile as well as a blockbuster bouquet of currants, chocolate-covered cherries, iron, tapenade, and smoked tobacco. It has a sunny, exuberant, uber-sexy style, yet it's not over the top, and it has perfect ripeness (not overripe or underripe), beautiful tannins, and flawless overall balance. It's approachable today yet should hit maturity in another 4-5 years and have a broad 30-40 years of prime drinking window." - Jeb Dunnuck, (10/19/2023), Ratings: 99

"First vintage under Chris Wilmers, succeeding his father Bob. A brilliant Haut-Bailly, living up to its En Primeur promise, packed with ripe rippling black and red berry fruit and a wonderful velvety texture. Still extremely young, more closed than it was during En Primeur but packed with layers of brilliance, saline quality on the finish, with a tight slate grip slowing everything down. 5% Cabernet Franc completes the blend, co-fermented with Petit Verdot. A yield of 21hl/ha." - Jane Anson, Decanter, (07/30/2020), Ratings: 98, Drink: 2028-2045

"The 2018 Haut-Bailly soars out of the glass, showing magnificent poise that only grows with time. Sweet, perfumed aromatics, silky tannins and mid-weight structure add to its considerable allure. Ripe red berry fruit, spice, blood orange, licorice, cedar, tobacco and menthol are all woven together in an effortless, classy Haut-Bailly that delivers the goods. I suppose the 2018 doesn't quite have the explosive energy of the very best years, but it more than makes up for that with its sensual, seductive personality." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, (03/31/2021), Ratings: 97

"The 2018 Haut-Bailly is blended of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Grapes were harvested September 17 to October 9, and the wine has 14.4% alcohol. Deep purple-black in color, it opens slowly with profound notions of Black Forest cake, crème de cassis, roasted nuts and black olives, unfurling to reveal notions of menthol, crushed rocks, molten licorice and chargrilled meat plus a hint of lilacs. Full-bodied, rich and densely laden with layer upon layer of vibrant black fruits and mineral nuances, it has a solid backbone of firm, velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long with compelling restraint and exciting energy." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate (04/23/2019, Bordeaux 2018 Issue), Ratings: 96-98+