Haut-Bailly II Pessac-Léognan 2023 - Second vin

Decanter

About the wine:

The nose is fragrant and very floral—rose, violet, and peony mingle with raspberry and red cherry. Supple and smooth, this wine exudes a silky elegance. The slightly powdery tannins lend it some structure and slightly overshadow the fruit, but the fruit is ripe, and a menthol-like freshness in the background lends it a lovely liveliness. There is also a certain depth to it. An excellent second wine, fuller-bodied than some, with a rich texture and a very pleasant smoothness. Though a bit light overall, it is nonetheless typical of Haut-Bailly: elegant, with woody and spicy notes, and hints of cedar and bitter licorice on the finish. pH: 3.75. Aged for 12 months, 30% new oak. 2027–2038

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the estate:

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

About the estate:

“With its distinctive and utterly charming character, this estate—acquired in 1998 by American banker Robert Wilmers—produces a wine of unique integrity and class. Véronique Sanders, the former owner’s granddaughter, carefully manages the day-to-day operations of this classified growth alongside the highly competent technical director, Gabriel Vialard. She produces a harmonious and supremely balanced red wine here, respecting Bordeaux traditions without ever overdoing it in an attempt to overshadow the wines’ very natural profile. The terroir of gravel over iron-rich clay allows the wines to develop a highly seductive bouquet of morello cherries and a velvety texture unmatched in the Léognan region. It is very difficult to find fault with a single vintage: all of them, with an inimitable, long, and refined style, achieve excellence. A word of caution to overly impatient enthusiasts: like any great wine worthy of the name, Haut-Bailly can be austere in its youth. It truly reveals itself only after a few years of aging.”

Vinous

About the wine:

Haut-Bailly II 2023 is full-bodied, juicy, and well-structured. Notes of crushed flowers, red cherry and plum, tobacco, cedar, dried herbs, and mint enhance this silky, elegant wine from Haut-Bailly. The floral top notes resurface to enhance the finish. The very essence of Haut-Bailly. 2028–2043

Le Figaro vins

About the wine:

You’ll want to take a deep breath of this wine’s aroma to capture all its notes of grain, fresh flowers, and fresh yeast. On the palate, the texture takes center stage—as voluptuous and indulgent as ever, following in the footsteps of its older sibling—with a savory finish. 2026–2036

Yves Beck

About the wine:

The finesse, freshness, and depth of the bouquet evoke a sense of serenity! The oak is noticeable, but it plays its intended role: to enhance the present aromas. Smooth and briny on the attack, the wine gathers its energy and carries it across the palate. The whole is underpinned by a solid foundation that combines vigor, character, and austerity. A well-mannered teenager who still needs to finish tidying his room. A little patience is called for. 2028–2040

Bernard Burtschy