2010 Château Haut-Bailly

Description

100    Jane Anson for Decanter
“As ever when tasting the two together, the striking thing is the difference in character rather than quality between 2009 and 2010. This is tighter, more structured in its concentration, more broad shouldered, but still intensely impressive and full of pleasure. Neither are ready to go yet, but this feels like it will last longer, and feels extremely Haut-Bailly in spirit, with an elegant but complex personality, and a grip that doesn’t make a big deal of its power but refuses to give up. Blackberry, bilberry, black chocolate and pencil.” (7/2020)

98    James Suckling
“Great aromas of crushed blackberries with flowers and stones that follow through to a full body, with super silky tannins and a long, long finish. It fills your mouth with beautiful fruit and velvety tannins yet shows tension and form. This lasts for minutes on the palate. Structured and superb. Don’t touch until 2020.” (11/2013)

95    Neal Martin for Vinous
“Still fairly youthful in appearance with light bricking on the rim, the 2010 Haut-Bailly has an intoxicating nose that is in full flight: a mélange of red and black fruit, loam, truffle, just a touch of powdered dark chocolate and then gaminess developing with aeration. The aromatics have a slightly melted quality that I associate more with the 2009s. The palate shows impressive weight and poise, the acidity effortlessly counterbalancing the ripe fruit, and hints of brown spice, meat juices and Provençal herbs coming through with time. There is a sense of completeness about this Haut-Bailly that is completely disarming. What a fabulous wine. (6/2020)

95    Roger Voss for Wine Enthusiast
“A powerful and complex wine from an estate performing on its top form. Solid tannins, layers of wood and dark fruits combine to give a wine that offers both richness and a dense structure. This Haut-Bailly should age impressively and for many years.” *Cellar Selection* (5/2013)

95    James Molesworth for Wine Spectator
“Chewy and brambly, but integrated, this carries a very hefty core of espresso, ganache, mulled plum and blackberry fruit. The purity starts to shine through on the finish, which drips with cassis and is threaded with a long warm paving stone note. Tight and backward today, this extremely well-built wine will need substantial cellaring.” (3/2013)