2012 Chateau Haut-Bailly Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 1×37.5cl

Antonio Galloni 96

The 2012 Haut Bailly is quite fragrant and inviting. Dark raspberries, mint, crushed flowers, spices and rose petals all lift from the glass in this feminine, gracious Haut-Bailly that offers considerable near and medium-term appeal. All the elements fall into place in an effortless, stunningly beautiful wine endowed with personality and class. One of the wines of the vintage, the Haut Bailly will drink well for two decades-plus. This is a superb showing from proprietor Bob Wilmers and his team headed by Veronique Sanders. The decision to lower temperatures in fermentation and go for a soft, gentle extraction, along with strict selection has paid off big time. [Antonio Galloni, 01/01/2016]

Anticipated maturity: 2018-2037

Vinous 90-92

Deep purple-ruby. Clean, fresh, very deep aromas of cassis, blackberry, minerals and smoke. Rich, dense and suave, offering intense flavors of dark cherry and blackcurrant lifted by graphite and ink. Finishes very long and pure. Estate manager Veronique Sanders plans to age this very promising Haut-Bailly for about 18 months in 50% new oak. For my money, this is one of the top 20 wines of the vintage. [Ian D’Agata, 05/01/2013]

Wine Advocate 94

The 2012 Haut Bailly is a brilliant wine for the vintage. It has a very intense bouquet with scents of blackberry, bilberry, cedar and a touch of pencil lead. This is very well defined and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannin, certainly one of the most structured Pessac-Leognan wines that I have encountered, yet it is struck through with wonderful balance and focus. It tightens up a little on the finish, a 2012 built for long-term drinking pleasure, and as such, I would afford it five or six more years in bottle if wishing to experience this in full flight. Tasted March 2017. [Neal Martin, 28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2045

JancisRobinson.com 17

Tasted blind. Correct. Everything in balance without being too showy and a great, long finish. Sappy and superior. [09/02/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2032