Haut Bailly 2006

Pessac-Leognan, Grand Cru Classé

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Tasting Notes

A superb success for the vintage, the 2006 exhibits a deep ruby/purple hue as well as a poised, classic bouquet of sweet black cherries, graphite, camphor, truffles, and a subtle hint of oak. Medium-bodied with a stunningly layered texture, impressive purity, and beautiful balance, this cuvee is haute couture in a glass. Although surprisingly approachable, it won’t hit its adolescent stage for 8-10 years, and will last for 25-30 years thereafter. Bravo!

Score: 95

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2017-2047 01 February 2009

This is historically one of the most ethereal and elegant wines of Bordeaux, and under the new proprietor, American banker, Robert Wilmers, backed up by Veronique Sanders, the granddaughter of the former proprietor, Daniel Sanders, Haut-Bailly is making its finest wines in nearly three decades. The 2006 boasts a dark ruby color along with a stunning bouquet of charcoal embers intermixed with sweet black cherry and black currant fruit, beautifully integrated, subtle oak, medium body, and a gorgeous texture. Despite impressive fruit intensity and impeccable length, it remains light on its feet. This classic Graves tastes like the Cheval Blanc of Pessac-Leognan. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2030.

Score: 91 - 94

Robert Parker, - 01 January 1900

Tasted at a negotiant and in London. A very pure nose of blackberry, blueberries and raspberry although it is lacking just a little delineation at this primordial stage. Touch of fresh tobacco developing in the glass. The palate is impressive with ripe black fruits, toasty tannins, superb balance and focus. Great persistency, this is an absolute joy even at this stage. Clean, crisp finish with superb persistency. Black cherries, blueberries, a lot of vanillary oak but balanced by the intensity of fruit. Bravo! Tasted April 2007.

Score: 93 - 95

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 30 April 2007

A bit overripe and lolly-like on the nose, although the Graves freshness shines through too. Very slightly dull and lacking vivacity on the palate. Drying finish. A little stodgy even if worthy - gripping tannins. Very dry. A bit more solid than usual. Another tasting revealed it as pretty sweet and succulent - then very dry tannins. A disjunction between the please-all start and the drying finish for the moment.

Score: 16

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2016-2026 16 April 2007

This estate has been producing consistently good wines for years now, but with Jean-Bernard Delmas consultant winemaker here since 2004, quality has reached new heights. The 2006 is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, from some pre-phylloxera vines. Beautifully complex nose with lots of scented fruit and smokiness. This is quite big and bold in the mouth with layers of fruit, impressive structure, and an expansive vanilla toast finish. Balanced and unforced with very good length. Very stylish.

Score: 92 - 94

Albany Vintners, - 01 April 2007

Gorgeous nose, with fantastic aromas of minerals, berries and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and lots of gorgeous fruit. Very long and refined. Very close to the 2005. This shows wonderful finesse and length for the vintage.

Score: 92 - 94

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 01 April 2007