Chateau Haut Bailly 2009

Chateau Haut-Bailly’s proud position tells a tale of enduring good fortune, perched atop the gentle slopes of Bordeaux's historic Graves region. Ancient archives prove that from as early as 1461 these lands were already recognised as excellent for the cultivation of vines. Centuries of commitment and unwavering conviction have established Haut-Bailly as a visionary estate, but one which also possesses a wealth of memories.

The wines' structure is characterized by a succulent texture and a very pure expression of ripe fruit. The Merlots are superb while the Cabernets are powerful but incredibly creamy: these are real thoroughbreds. It proves to be a perfect wine.

100 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2009, which has an opaque ruby/purple color, an extraordinary nose of high-quality unsmoked cigar tobacco, graphite, blackcurrants and spice, hits the palate with a medium to full-bodied, saturated and rich mouthfeel, but an elegant and ethereal quality that is difficult to articulate. It is rich, complex and tastes as if it were the vinous equivalent of a remarkable haute couture creation from the late Coco Chanel. It is full-bodied yet elegant, powerful yet delicate, and remarkably velvety-textured, sumptuous and loaded with upside potential. 

100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

Deep ruby/purple-colored, with loads of red currants, smoked meats, dried flowers, Asian spices and hints of truffle-like aromatics, the 2009 Haut Bailly is full-bodied, ethereally textured, super elegant, and possesses a purity of fruit that’s off the charts. In addition to a wealth of fruit, this absolutely perfect wine glides across the palate and carries incredible intensity and richness without any sensation of weight or heaviness.

98 Points - Decanter

Right from the first moment you look at this wine you can see that it remains young, concentrated and full of life. Clear smoked caramel on the nose, the texture is supremely silky and seductive, creamy in a way that sits against the taut precision of most vintages of Haut-Bailly and yet still maintaining control and poise. 

95 Points - Wine Enthusiast

Smooth and opulent, this immediately appeals with its generous fruit and texture that feels like velvet. The structure sits under the seductive surface, with a chocolate wood flavor, fruit tannins and density.

95 Points - James Suckling

Aromas of mineral and dark fruits follow through to a full body, with hints of chocolate and vanilla. Lots of wood right now, but firm and racy. Lovely fruit with a long finish. This is tight but showing wonderful balance.

94 Points - Wine Spectator

Offers a rich, very dense feel, but stays racy thanks to a strong graphite frame around the core of roasted fig, plum sauce and maduro tobacco. Muscular but defined on the finish, with a long tarry edge in reserve.