Haut-Bailly II 2018

The Haut Bailly vineyard as we know it today began to take shape when the Goyaneche family, then the Daitze family, acquired and unified the best vineyard plots in the 1530s. The estate remained in the Daitze family until 1630, when it was purchased by Firmin Le Bailly and Nicolas de Leuvarde, wealthy Parisian bankers and Graves wine enthusiasts. After major investments, the estate continued to be passed down through the Bailly line until 1736, when Irishman Thomas Barton took over its management. His solid business network enabled him to promote the quality of Château Haut-Bailly at a time when French "claret" was gaining ground in England and Ireland. At the end of the 19th century, Haut-Bailly was owned by Alcide Bellot des Minieres. In July 1998, Château Haut-Bailly was purchased by American Rober G. Wilmers, Chairman and CEO of M&T Bank, based in Buffalo, New York. A lifelong lover of Bordeaux grands crus, Bob was behind every strategic decision, ensuring that Haut-Bailly followed a path of progression and continuity, while always remaining respectful of its heritage. Since then, the family has continued to own the chateau, passing on its expertise through the generations. 

Château Haut-Bailly is one of the most prestigious Crus Classés de Graves located at the gateway to the city of Bordeaux. The estate spans 30 hectares (74 acres) vineyards and lies at the heart of the Pessac-Leognan appellation, on the Left Bank of the Garonne River. The vineyard is composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 3% Petit-Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Certain plots lie a full 20 meters higher than others, demonstrating the topological diversity for which Haut-Bailly is famous. 

Château Haut-Bailly is not only one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious wine estates but also one of the most loved. Every vintage is a masterpiece. Consistent with its own endeavors to release wines of unwavering quality, vintage after vintage, Haut-Bailly is wilfully responsible for the preservation and development of artistic flair and savoir-faire. Each bottle of Château Haut-Bailly captures a place, a time and a spirit all together and keeps these alive until the moment comes for it to be enjoyed. 

Parde Haut-Bailly, first produced in 1967, has been renamed Haut-Bailly II as of the 2018 vintage after 50 years of existence. It is a true "Second Wine" and among the first of its kind. Created from grapes grown upon the same soils sorted with the same care and vinified with the same expertise as the Grand Vin, it conveys the pleasure and characteristic refinement of Haut-Bailly. Its expressions require less time to fully reveal themselves allowing it to be enjoyed sooner.

The 2018 vintage is a blend of Merlot (65%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (35%). The blend is a composition of lots marked with freshness and fruit, built upon a suave, elegant structure. Reflecting the virtues of the grand vin, Haut-Bailly II can be enjoyed young although it also has good ageing potential. The 2018 vintage is voluptuous and forms a colorful and dense wine, with a nice aromatic complexity. This wine has a beautiful richness and a great finish. The harvest took place from September 17th to October 9th. 

"Formerly known as "La Parde de Haut-Bailly," this second wine from Haut-Bailly will have a name change starting with this vintage. Composed of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon harvested September 17 to October 9, the 2018 Haut-Bailly II is deep purple-black in color and leaps from the glass with exuberant notes of crushed blackberries, black raspberries and plum preserves plus hints of red and black currants, menthol, mocha and candied violets with a touch of cedar chest. Full-bodied, firm and very finely grained, it has bags of freshness and loads of savory sparks, finishing long and mineral tinged." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate (4/23/2019, Bordeaux 2018 Issue), Rating: (96-98)+