Tasting Notes
Vinous 90
The 1999 Haut-Bailly was the second vintage after the late Bob Wilmers purchased the estate. It offers a mixture of red and black fruit on the nose, which is quite well defined although not the most complex. There is a pastille-like purity here, and hints of quince and fig jam lend a mote of exoticism. The palate is medium-bodied and seems fully mature at 20 years of age, and rounded tannins create a soft mouthfeel. Quite tertiary in style, displaying touches of smoke and tobacco toward the very Pessac-Leognan finish. This probably has a little more weight and structure than you would expect. Tasted from an ex-chateau bottle at the estate.
Anticipated maturity: 2019-2031
Robert Parker 91
Tasted at the 1999 horizontal at Bordeaux Index. The Haut-Bailly has a very ripe, generous nose with rounded raspberry, wild strawberry, a hint of acacia and white flowers. Great lift and expression. With aeration it develops a lovely candied quality that is irresistible. The palate is medium-bodied, supple with rounded, fleshy tannins, layers of ripe red-berried fruit with excellent acidity and definition. Satiates the palate, superb length. A top quality Haut-Bailly in a difficult vintage. Excellent. Drink now-2020. Tasted June 2009.
Anticipated maturity: 2009-2020
JancisRobinson.com 15
65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Darker inner core but brick at rim. Leafy, sous bois nose and palate. Definite green edge, the content light and fluid. Drying tannins on the finish. Reconfirms my assessment as a weak link , made at a tasting in 2009. (JL)
Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020
