Haut-Bailly II Pessac-Léognan 2025 - Second vin (Primeurs)

Aromas of slightly dried herbs and red fruits—cranberry and raspberry leaf. A fairly lively, almost sharp acidity lends it a crisp and straightforward profile. A silky texture, with notes of crushed stone and powder, along with slightly tight tannins and spicy hints of licorice. Plenty of juiciness, enticing acidity, and a lovely overall liveliness. Once it has opened up, this wine will be charming; for now, it’s still a bit tight, but it shows power, concentration, and a long finish with notes of dried mint and clove. 4% Cabernet Franc rounds out the blend. 2029–2039

 

“With its distinctive and utterly charming style, 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, adhering to 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 this part of Léognan. 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 worth its salt, Haut-Bailly can be austere in its youth. It truly reveals itself only after a few years of aging.”

A young red wine with very fine tannins and aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, and crushed stone. It has a medium body and a lovely finish. Very elegant for a second wine. 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc.

The fresh, fruity vibrancy of the bouquet immediately highlights the enthusiasm and energy present in this wine! What a dynamic aroma, with notes of flower stems, orange peel, and spices. Notes of black berries such as blackberries and blackcurrants are clearly present, as are hints of mint and garrigue. The salty touch on the attack further emphasizes the wine’s freshness. The wine reveals itself gradually and gains depth across the palate. It is supported by compact, slightly tight tannins that offer perfectly balanced vigor and harmonize perfectly with the tension provided by the acidic structure. The acidity is sharp, precise, and invigorating! What a superb introduction. Haut-Bailly II certainly knows how to put the pressure on its big brother. 2028–2040