2017 Haut Bailly
By Chateau Haut Bailly
2017 Haut Bailly from Château Haut Bailly, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux
Embarking on an exploration of the esteemed 2017 vintage from Château Haut Bailly reveals a journey through a challenging year that triumphantly culminated in a captivating expression of Pessac-Léognan finesse. My extensive travels and encounters with Bordeaux have taught me that adversity often begets excellence, and this vintage is a testament to that very adage.
The Testament of Time: Navigating Nature's Hurdles
The vines of 2017 faced nature’s trials, from frost to drought, carving an atypical path for the grapes. It is in this context that the vineyard management and winemaking prowess at Château Haut Bailly shone brightly. With their deep understanding of the terroir and adept adaptations, they've crafted a wine that not only reflects the hallmark characteristics of the estate but also distinguishes itself from preceding years.
A Vintage Serenade: The Notes of 2017 Haut Bailly
Upon delving into the 2017 Haut Bailly, one is greeted with an alluring bouquet, brimming with dark cherries and subtle smoky undertones—a quiet whisper of the gravelly soils gracing this wine's lineage. A sip unfolds layers of complexity, marrying ripe blackberry nuances with a structured tannic presence and a lingering finish of refined oak influence. It encapsulates the cooler conditions of the season, showcasing an elegant restraint and poise.
This offering narrates a story of skilled artisanship transcending climatic caprice. It is an exceptional candidate for investment, demonstrating considerable ageing potential while already bestowing an intricate drinking experience.
An Indelible Impression: The Investment Merits of 2017 Haut Bailly
In wine investment circles, certain vintages resonate with both connoisseurs and investors alike; the 2017 Haut Bailly is swiftly ascending to such recognition. As one ponders its place in a well-curated collection, it becomes apparent that this vintage holds considerable promise, likely to reward those who appreciate the intricate tapestry time weaves into such storied creations.
Conclusively, while approaching one's assets diversely remains key in fine wine investment, integrating pivotal pieces like the 2017 Haut Bailly from Château Haut Bailly fortifies a portfolio with both grace and potential uplift. Here lies a vintage characterised by its ability to articulate the epoch’s signature—reserve and beauty in presence—with future reminiscences bound to be etched with esteem.
Market price (USD)
$842.35
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
46
Scores and tasting notes
A firm and silky red with a medium to full body, a solid center palate and a long and integrated finish. Very fine, polished and refined. Creamy tannins. Hints of bitter orange.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
The 2017 Haut-Bailly is composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Very deep garnet-purple colored, it has a wonderfully spicy nose of cinnamon stick, cloves, anise and fenugreek with core of roses, warm blueberries, black forest cake and black raspberries plus hints of underbrush and iron ore. Medium to full-bodied with firm, ripe, grainy tannins, it has oodles of freshness and great finesse, continuing bright and energetic on the long, minerally finish.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com
The 2017 Haut-Bailly is an understated beauty. Nothing in particular stands out rather it is the wine's balance that impresses most. All the classic Haut-Bailly signatures come through in a mid-weight, super-finessed wine that hits all the right notes. Dark red and blue stone fruits, graphite, smoke, licorice and incense are all laced into the super-expressive finish. The 2017 emerges from the estate's central, most historic parcels, as those vineyards were not affected by the April frost that took with it 30% of the production.
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18
The 2017 Haut-Bailly was cropped at 28hl/ha (40hl/ha on non-frozen parcels and 2hl/ha on frosted parcels) and includes co-fermented Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It is unlikely to contain any vin de presse this year, unlike in 2016, and it is matured in 50% new oak. There is a pH of 3.74 with 13.2° alcohol. It has an attractive and quite opulent bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit, hints of crushed stone and briary, a light oyster shell influence. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin but there is good backbone here, quite “solid” for Haut-Bailly and it will need to just soften the edges during its élevage. With moderate length and a very attractive graphite aftertaste, this Haut-Bailly will require five or six years in bottle but will repay the patient wine-lover.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18