2015 Haut Bailly
By Chateau Haut Bailly
2015 Haut Bailly from Chateau Haut Bailly, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
The 2015 vintage stands as a testament to the exceptional savoir-faire of Chateau Haut Bailly in the famed Pessac-Leognan region—a blueprint of precision and balance that terroir enthusiasts revere. A year distinguished by auspicious climate conditions, 2015 furnished vignerons with grapes of sterling quality, and indeed, the 2015 Haut Bailly is an artefact of this providential alignment.
Exceptional Year, Exceptional Creation
In this vintage, one uncovers an artful blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with whispers of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all contributing to a harmonious symphony of complexity. The season’s timely blossoming and impeccable ripening period are inscribed in the wine’s structure; the 2015 Haut Bailly from Chateau Haut Bailly exhibits formidable concentration paired with an etch of elegance that connoisseurs have come to expect from this distinguished estate.
The narrative of 2015 across Bordeaux speaks volumes about its stored potential for investment. In the tight-knit weave of tannins and restrained oak influence lies the promise of longevity, making it an attractive proposition for fine wine investors looking to enrich their portfolios.
A Vintage That Speaks Volumes
Savour the depth encoded in its dark-fruit bouquet, bolstered by an undercurrent of graphite and crushed violet petals. On the palate, there is a dance between power and finesse: succulent blackberry fruits align with a mineral core, creating a poised finish that sings long after the last sip.
It is without question that the 2015 Haut Bailly from Chateau Haut Bailly showcases some of the most enrapturing qualities of modern Bordeaux wines. When considering an addition to one's cellar or portfolio, this Pessac-Leognan offering represents a paragon among its contemporaries. Cherish its youth or await its full unfurling; either avenue pursued promises an epicurean epiphany.
Market price (GBP)
£920.00
12x75cl
Highest score
99
POP score
48.42
Scores and tasting notes
This is a vivid and powerful red with lots of bright fruit and spice character. Full body, chewy tannins and loads of fruit on the finish. Firm and focused tannins. Lots of energy and vibrance. Spice and violet leaf undertone. Pure fruit. Pure structure.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
In a very good vintage for Pessac-Léognan, Haut-Bailly really stands out for its quality, confirming the ongoing improvements here. Intense, brooding and given extra structure by the use of Petit Verdot for the first time, this is complex, saline and focused with delightful oak integration and a long, stylish finish. Drink: 2025-35
Tim Atkin - timatkin.com
The 2015 Haut Bailly is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot (Véronique Sanders told me that the latter was planted three years ago.) My sample included 80% new oak, but there will be 50% in the final blend. Deep in color, the bouquet is very intense with multilayered blackberry, blueberry, crème de cassis and subtle black olive aromas, introverted at first but soon racing out of the blocks with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe, quite firm tannin. This is an Haut-Bailly with real backbone, real sense of purpose. It could have tipped over into being overpowering due to that intense Merlot, but the acidity keeps everything in check and the finish demonstrates wonderful tension. In particular, the aftertaste is incredibly long in the mouth. This Haut Bailly is up there with the 2009 and 2010 - a bravura Pessac-Léognan destined for long-term ageing. Do yourself (and the wine) a favor and cellar it for 12 years, drinking the 2012 or 2013 before reaching for this.
Neal Martin - eRobertParker.com, #224, April 2016
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot. Very dark, luscious colour - one of the most distinctive colours of all! Savoury and not forced but awfully attractive. Round and fresh. Very nicely assembled. Definitely Graves. Long and very 'cashmere'! Real lift yet intensely ripe fruit too. Very neat!
Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com