2005 Haut Bailly
By Chateau Haut Bailly
2005 Haut Bailly from Château Haut Bailly, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France
In the pantheon of Bordeaux wines that punctuates the rich tapestry of vintages, the 2005 Haut Bailly from Château Haut Bailly is an exemplar of grace and muscularity – a hallmark vintage that continues to flourish in both stature and desirability among fine wine investors.
A Vintage Worthy of Apostleship
The term 'classic' is often bandied about with abandon but for the 2005 season in Pessac-Léognan, it is most apt. The weather graced vines with a phenomenally measured growing season: a warm spring, a summer with heat in felicitous doses, and an autumn that allowed leisurely picking. This benevolence gave birth to grapes that achieved ripeness in choir-like harmony, providing the backbone for what is surely one of the luminous expressions to emerge from the gravel and sand of this revered terroir.
Savouring the Singular Sophistication
Upon decanting, the 2005 Haut Bailly reveals an evolving tapestry of aromatic extravagance – cassis and ripe black cherries laced with hints of pencil shaving and tobacco leaf. On the palate, there's a symphony – structured tannins, balanced acidity, and a core of fruit that radiates confidence without arrogance. The wine unfurls on the tongue with a finesse reflecting its esteemed pedigree. Age has gently curated its power into elegance.
An Investment in Liquid Artistry
The market for Bordeaux has seldom deserted its aficionados. The 2005 vintage from Château Haut Bailly epitomises resilience and burgeoning demand. With years of potential still cocooned within its garnet depths, those positioned to acquire this fine vintage will find it a most prudent companion for both cellar and portfolio.
In the intricate dance of investment-grade wines, few vintages pirouette with such poise as does the 2005 Haut Bailly from Château Haut Bailly. It’s harmonious vintage conditions coupled with astute viniculture forge an asset that's as liquid in nature as it is solid in potential appreciation.
Market price (GBP)
£1,050.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
70
Scores and tasting notes
This shows a great purity of fruit; firm and direct notes of raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries that open to intense notes of fresh flowers. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins. This wine is tight and long -- you know this is good immediately. Pull the cork after 2016.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, July 16th 2012
Tasted at Berry Brother & Rudd's vertical. Like its peers, the 2005 has closed down on the nose and demands rigorous coaxing from the glass. There is a beguiling purity here: raspberry and wild strawberry, touches of fresh apricot and orange blossom but these aromas are all tightly contained. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a slight graininess to the texture. Blackberry, graphite and a touch of tobacco that lead to a refined finish this is intense rather than powerful with a long tail of flavour lingering in the mouth. Class...pure class. Drink 2016-2030+ Tasted October 2011.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2013
Haut-Bailly's American proprietor, Robert Wilmers, backed up by the brilliant Veronique Sanders, continues to go from strength to strength. A fabulous example of this estate, the 2005 is an ethereal, delicate, finesse-styled offering with intensity as well as richness. It has all the concentration one could want, but it comes across as gorgeously elegant and sublime because of its combination of delicacy, power, and depth. Beautiful raspberry, black cherry, currant, graphite, and scorched earth notes are subtle, but provocative. In the mouth, there is good acidity, medium body, ripe tannin, and terrific length. This is a beauty of haute couture from Pessac-Leognan. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #176 April 2008