2011 Haut Bailly
By Chateau Haut Bailly
2011 Haut Bailly from Chateau Haut Bailly, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
The vintage reports of 2011 bore witness to a growing season that started with promise yet encountered challenges as the months progressed. It is within this context that the 2011 Haut Bailly from Chateau Haut Bailly reveals its intricate majesty. Notwithstanding the hurdles of the year—which included a hot spring, an uneven summer, and a race against time to harvest before rain—this red has emerged with a character that typifies resilience and finesse.
A Study in Complexity and Elegance
Encounter with the 2011 Haut Bailly proffers an experience rich in complexity. It's a vivid testament to the deft craftsmanship at Chateau Haut Bailly and the profound expression of its gravelly terroir. This vintage encapsulates a spectrum of ripe berry notes, infused with subtle nuances of cigar box and graphite—a hallmark reflective of its Pessac-Leognan roots.
Graceful Ageing Potential
One of the resounding attributes of this vintage is undoubtedly its potential for graceful ageing. While approachable in its current state, it retains an assured structural integrity, indicating that investors may look forward to its evolution with great anticipation. The subtle interplay of tannins gives promise to a course wherein time will unfurl further layers within this Bordeaux's soul.
A diamond in the rougher climes of its birth year, the 2011 Haut Bailly is an astute selection for those seeking to diversify their investment portfolio with a wine of unique story and robust potential. Cherish now or cellar with confidence; this portrait from Pessac-Leognan sings with elegance, ensuring its narrative will resonate well into the future.
In closing, amidst a challenging season, the 2011 Haut Bailly formidably asserts itself as one of stature and intrigue. As it garners further maturity, this offering from Chateau Haut Bailly stands poised to reward both the patient collector and discerning investor alike.
Market price (HKD)
HK$6,020.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
45
Scores and tasting notes
The saturated ruby/purple-hued 2011 Haut-Bailly exhibits a glorious, subtle, noble set of aromatics consisting of red and black currants, sweet cherries, graphite, truffles and a faint hint of wood spice. The wine hits the palate with the profound elegance and purity that have become so much a characteristic under Wilmers and Sanders. Still youthful, with good acidity and freshness, this brilliant, medium-bodied 2011 needs another 4-5 years of bottle age, and should evolve effortlessly for 20-25 years.
Ever since the acquisition of Haut-Bailly by American banker Robert Wilmers, he and his winemaker Veronique Sanders have dramatically led this estate to the top of the qualitative pyramid.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #212 Apr 2014
Intense aromas of stones in the sun and dark fruits with hints of orange peel. Full to medium body, with ultra-fine and long tannins. A lovely line to this. Winery says its a baby 2000. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 1st 2012
The Chateau Haut-Bailly is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, which is close to 2000. Picking was from 9th September until the end of the month, around three weeks with 11-12 days of work. They thought they would end up picking in August as the season was so advanced! The bouquet is crisp and displays fine purity with blackberry, a touch of cassis, crushed stone and a touch of oyster shell. It has impressive delineation and focus. The palate is very well balanced and silky smooth in the mouth. It is tensile and animated, very composed and refined on the finish, perhaps more so than in the 2009 and 2010. It has lower alcohol than 2010 (13.0 degrees compared to 14.2). This is the style of Haut Bailly that I appreciate. Tasted April 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2012