2001 Haut Bailly
By Chateau Haut Bailly
2001 Haut Bailly from Chateau Haut Bailly, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
Embark on an oenological expedition to the turn of the millennium with the 2001 Haut Bailly from the storied vaults of Chateau Haut Bailly. This vintage offers a tantalising tapestry of flavours that resonate with the sophistication of Pessac-Leognan's terroir. The early noughties in Bordeaux were a period marked by a return to classicism, and this specimen is no exception to the rule; it encapsulates the quintessence of its epoch.
Masterful Maturation: A Wealth of Nuance and Complexity
Two decades have nurtured the 2001 Haut Bailly into becoming a paragon of maturity. It is a compelling narrative in a bottle, recounting tales of ripe tannins and harmonious acidity that underpin its splendid structure. Like an oil painter's finest brushwork, this vintage captures aromatic strokes of dark cherries, cigar box, and a whispering trace of truffle, subtly nodding to the Graves region's gravelly soils.
A Season Refined by Climatic Precision
The 2001 vintage was greeted with the growing season's benevolence; marked by a fine balance between warm days and cool nights—a climate posterity for Bordeaux vintners. Every sip is annotated with this climatic precision, presenting an emboldened fruit profile that dances deftly amidst mineral undertones and seasoned French oak nuances.
Investors treasure such vintages—for shown within their depths are both proven longevity and intricate layers that unfurl over time. The 2001 Haut Bailly thus represents not simply an asset en primeur but a cherished linchpin in any fine wine collection or investment portfolio.
In Vino Veritas: The 2001 Testament
As I reflect upon the resplendent journey of this wine, the 2001 Haut Bailly presents itself as one among a litany of Bordeaux's jewels yet outshines many with its graceful ageing prowess. A punctilious canvas painted with nature's hues, it affirms Pessac-Leognan's vinous virtue, beckoning connoisseurs and investors alike to seek out its time-tempered elegance. With every bottle lies an opportunity; not merely to taste but to delve into history—one savoured narrative at a time.
Market price (CAD)
$1,360.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
68.33
Scores and tasting notes
Some might prefer this to the excellent 2000. It's just as dense and rich but perhaps doesn't have the same intensity and complexity as the 2000. But a clearly outstanding wine. Full body with plenty of dark fruits, chocolate and hints of earth. Drink or hold.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, July 1st 2013
Tasted at Berry Brother & Rudd's vertical. The 2001 is more expressive and generous on the nose than the 2000 and for me, it exudes more Graves-like character thanks to the 65% Cabernet Sauvignon. There are scents of blackberry, pencil shaving, a touch of fresh black olive with tertiary aromas developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied but rounder, perhaps fatter than the previous vintage. Blackberry, graphite, a saline tang and touches of white pepper towards the finish that fans out nicely. Tasted October 2011.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2013
The deep ruby/purple-tinged 2001 Haut-Bailly reveals sweet, pure, elegant aromas of currants, toast, and cigar smoke. With wonderful sweetness, fine tannins, a delicate, nuanced personality, and a long, persistent finish, this well-made, impressive Pessac-Leognan will provide plenty of pleasure over the next 12-14 years.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #153 June 2004