Château Haut-Bailly 2019

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.

"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." - Neal Martin, Vinous, (06/16/ 2020), Ratings: 96-98, Drink: 2024-2055

"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." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate, (06/17/2020, Bordeaux 2019 Issue), Ratings: 97-99

"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." - Jeb Dunnuck, (10/19/2023), Ratings: 96

"The 2019 Haut-Bailly is a huge, powerful wine. There is plenty of the richness of this warm vintage, but a ton of tannin too. In most warmer years, Haut-Bailly can be a real charmer upfront, but in 2019 it's all about somber dark fruit, tannin and structure. A wine of breadth and power, Haut-Bailly will need many years in the cellar to truly blossom. It's unquestionably a big wine with a brilliant future. Bright aromatics lend freshness as the 2019 continues to open with air." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, (02/28/2022), Ratings: 96