La Parde Haut-Bailly Pessac-Léognan 2017 - Second vin

Decanter

About wine:

Charming and elegant, the rich blueberry fruit has good density, even if it is not particularly generous. The tannins close up the fruit, but they have life, good definition, and will soften and open up in 4 to 5 years. There was 30% frost in the vineyard, but no second-generation fruit was used—in fact, they didn't even have any. The blend contains a little more Merlot than usual. Thirty percent of the production was used for La Parde, and about 20% for the estate's third wine. 2023–2036

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Cultivating a personal and incredibly appealing style, this estate, acquired in 1998 by American banker Robert Wilmers, produces a wine of unique integrity and class. Véronique Sanders, granddaughter of the former owner, carefully manages this classified growth on a daily basis, with the highly competent technical director Gabriel Vialard. She produces a harmonious and supremely balanced red wine, respecting Bordeaux traditions, without ever overdoing it in an attempt to surpass the wines' very natural profile. The gravelly terroir on iron-rich soil gives the wines a highly seductive bouquet of morello cherries and a velvety texture that is unmatched in this part of Léognan. It is very difficult to find fault with any single vintage: all of them, with their inimitable, long and refined style, achieve excellence. A word of warning to overly impatient enthusiasts: like any great wine worthy of the name, Haut-Bailly can be austere in its youth. It only truly reveals itself after a few years of aging.

Wine Enthusiast

About wine:

Barrel sample. At this stage, spice and wood flavors dominate this wine, although fragrant fruit also comes through. It has subtle notes of juicy blackberries and delicately integrated tannins. Ultimately, it is the deliciously fruity side that prevails.

Vinous

About wine:

The 2017 Haut-Bailly Parde is an elegant and discreet wine. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, licorice, spices, and new leather blossom in this juicy and supple Haut-Bailly second wine. This 2017 offers beautiful depth and enough pedigree to be enjoyed for many years to come. 2022–2037

James Suckling

About wine:

A very appealing red with chocolate and hazelnut character, highlighting black fruits. Medium to full-bodied. Savory finish. Delicious. Second wine of Château Haut-Bailly. Drink now or cellar.

Vert de Vin

About wine:

The nose is fruity, aromatic, elegant, and powerful (yet elegant), with a fine texture and delicate richness (yet delicate). There are notes of boysenberry, wild strawberry and, more subtly, blackcurrant, combined with delicate hints of Sichuan pepper, violet, racy minerality, small wild black berries and subtle touches of licorice, green pepper and toast. The palate is fruity and balanced, offering a juicy/tangy structure, racy minerality, subtle depth, richness, juiciness, and precision. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of fleshy/juicy blackcurrant, fleshy/juicy blackberry and, more subtly, fleshy/juicy wild strawberry, combined with a subtle touch of juicy plum and very subtle hints of toast, sweet spices, chocolate and an imperceptible varietal note. The tannins are elegant. Straightforward and finely firm on the finish.