Haut Bailly 2011

Pessac-Leognan, Grand Cru Classé

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Tasting Notes

As with the 2007, this 2011 is bursting with pleasure right now. Carefully controlled and elegant while still being juicy, allowing the tannins to tiptoe across the palate in that way Haut-Bailly does so well. Fine tannins, well-expressed cassis and blackberry fruits, with a curl of pencil lead and cool ash on the finish. The Spring of 2011 was the hottest and driest in 50 years, with only 78mm of rain falling between March and June, balanced out by a cool and rather wet July and August, and then a warm September allowing good ripening window but keeping this rather elegant savoury fruit frame. The harvest lasted from September 9 to 29.

Score: 94

Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2021-2040 03 July 2020

The saturated ruby/purple-hued 2011 Haut-Bailly exhibits a glorious, subtle, noble set of aromatics consisting of red and black currants, sweet cherries, graphite, truffles and a faint hint of wood spice. The wine hits the palate with the profound elegance and purity that have become so much a characteristic under Wilmers and Sanders. Still youthful, with good acidity and freshness, this brilliant, medium-bodied 2011 needs another 4-5 years of bottle age, and should evolve effortlessly for 20-25 years.

Score: 94

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2018-2043 01 April 2014

While the elegant, stylish 2011 Haut-Bailly does not possess the density and concentration of the three vintages that preceded it, this is still outstanding wine as well as a tribute to the impeccable work done by proprietor Robert Wilmers and his manager, Veronique Sanders. Classic red and black currant aromas interspersed with notions of wet stones/crushed rocks, tobacco leaf and spice box are followed by a medium-bodied, well-balanced, impressively pure wine built on finesse and understatement. This beauty is capable of drinking well young or over the next 15+ years.

Score: 91 - 93

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2012-2027+ 27 April 2012

The Chateau Haut-Bailly is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, which is close to 2000. Picking was from 9th September until the end of the month, around three weeks with 11-12 days of work. They thought they would end up picking in August as the season was so advanced! The bouquet is crisp and displays fine purity with blackberry, a touch of cassis, crushed stone and a touch of oyster shell. It has impressive delineation and focus. The palate is very well balanced and silky smooth in the mouth. It is tensile and animated, very composed and refined on the finish, perhaps more so than in the 2009 and 2010. It has lower alcohol than 2010 (13.0 degrees compared to 14.2). This is the style of Haut Bailly that I appreciate. Tasted April 2012.

Score: 91 - 93

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 30 April 2012

Intense aromas of stones in the sun and dark fruits with hints of orange peel. Full to medium body, with ultra-fine and long tannins. A lovely line to this. Winery says its a baby 2000. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc.

Score: 92 - 93

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 01 April 2012