1989 Haut Bailly
By Chateau Haut Bailly
1989 Haut Bailly from Chateau Haut Bailly, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
Amidst the symphony of Bordeaux's celebrated vintages, the 1989 Haut Bailly from Chateau Haut Bailly resounds with a complex pedigree of gravitas and elegance unique to this illustrious year. Notably stepping out from the shadow of its reputable predecessors, this vintage captures an exquisite moment in wine history where climate, terroir, and vinicultural prowess met in harmonious concert.
Prestige Rooted in Unfettered Excellence
The 1989 vintage emerged from a period characterised by a clement growing season, allowing for immaculate ripening of the grapes. From the outset, it was clear that Pessac-Leognan had been bestowed with a year that was benevolent in warmth and dryness, imparting onto the vineyards an opportunity to produce fruit brimming with depth and concentration.
Exquisite Craftsmanship
Tasting the 1989 Haut Bailly is like unearthing a cherished relic; the passage of over three decades has emboldened its character while refining its essence to near perfection. Its bouquet reveals layers of dark fruit compote draped alongside hints of tobacco leaf and subtle truffles—a nuanced dance of primary and tertiary elements that captivates even the most discerning palates.
The palate offers an opulent tapestry woven with ripe tannins and a vibrant acidity that serves as a backbone to its fleshy plums and blackcurrant savours. This seamless integration encourages forecasts of continued grace in ageing potential, surely captivating the interest of fine wine investors seeking longevity coupled with maturity.
In sum, the 1989 vintage from Chateau Haut Bailly transcends simply being a magnificent creation from Pessac-Leognan—it stands as an invited centrepiece to any collector’s cache. Discerning connoisseurs and astute investors alike recognise that securing such an emblematic bottle represents not just an acquisition but an embodiment of wine artistry to revere for generations.
Indeed, for those seeking to bolster their portfolio with a wine that holds both historical profundity and a future promise of continued reverence, the 1989 Haut Bailly remains one of the most sophisticated choices to grace one's cellar.
Market price (SGD)
$2,100.00
12x75cl
Highest score
91
POP score
114.55
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted at Berry Brother & Rudd's vertical. The 1989 can be variable from bottle to bottle, but this is certainly one of the better ones. It has a strictness on the nose: a headmistress that you would not mind being in trouble with. It is very well defined, more focused than the '90 with hints of orange blossom and sandalwood. The palate is medium-bodied with vibrant dark berry fruit, cedar, black olive and a touch of black pepper. This is imbued with commendable harmony and length: a personality-driven Haut Bailly that is well worth seeking out. Drink now-2020. Tasted October 2011.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2013
Haut-Bailly is often such a restrained, gentle, subtle wine that it can get lost in a blind tasting, particularly when served side by side with more powerful Bordeaux. That was not the case in my recent tasting, as both the 1989 and 1990 vintages performed well. The 1989 is a ripe, sweet, supple wine with a deep ruby color, and an attractive nose of herbs, sweet berry fruit, and smoky tobacco. This soft, low acid, ready to drink wine should continue to evolve gracefully, offering elegant, smooth-as-silk drinking for another 12+ years.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #109 February 1997