Haut-Bailly II 2019

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) of 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. Consistent with its own endeavors to release wines of unwavering quality, vintage after vintage, Haut-Bailly is wilfully responsible for preserving and developing 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” 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 2019 vintage is a blend of Merlot (60%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (40%). 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 aging potential. Haut Bailly II 2019 is a balanced and elegant wine. Voluptuous Merlots bring an aromatic freshness enhanced by silky tannins. The second wine is soft with a beautiful roundness. The harvest took place from September 23rd to October 10th. The 2019 Haut-Bailly II is a very serious second wine. 

'The second wine of this incredible château in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, the 2019 Haut-Bailly II has a classic Graves scorched earth character as well as pure red and black fruits, tobacco, and cedary herb-like aromas and flavors. Round, plush, and sexy on the palate, it does everything you would want from a second wine and will drink nicely for 10-15 years.'' Jeb Dunnuck, Bordeaux 2019 From Bottle (4/11/2022) Ratings: 92 Drink: 2022-2037

''Sculpted, balanced and easy to love savoury plum and grilled blackberry fruit flavours. This moves carefully through the palate, gently delineated, with delicate tannins, smoked caramel and gunsmoke on the finish. Showing more complexity than it did En Primeur, just as you would hope with a 2nd wine but is not always the case in 2019.'' Jane Anson, Best Pomerol 2020 Wines Tasted En Primeur (1/11/2022) Ratings: 92 Drink: 2024-2038

''The 2019 Haut-Bailly II exhibits aromas of rich berry fruit, cassis, cigar wrapper and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and polished, with a ripe core of fruit and plenty of rich, powdery tannin, it's a Merlot-dominated blend that was composed at the moment of assemblage (as opposed to a selection of dedicated plots).'' William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (4/7/2022) Ratings: 90 Drink: 2023-2045