1981 Haut Bailly
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Tasting notes
The 1981 Haut-Bailly is rather enervated on the nose with light dried blood and hickory aromas, cedar wood and tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with sharp acidity on the entry, very herbaceous and leafy with the fruit long since departed. There is a sharpness and abrasiveness towards the finish, and it lacks length. Past its best. Tasted from an ex-château magnum at the Académie du Vin dinner.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1981 Haut-Bailly is neither profound nor intensely concentrated, but perfumed, elegant, spicy, soft, fruity, and remarkably easy to drink. It does not have the punch and depth of the 1982, 1983, or 1979, but is agreeable and pleasant in a lighter style. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 12/87.
The 1981 Haut-Bailly is neither profound nor intensely concentrated, but perfumed, elegant, spicy, soft, fruity, and remarkably easy to drink. It does not have the punch and depth of the 1982, 1983, or 1979, but is agreeable and pleasant in a lighter style. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 12/87. Jan 1998, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Quality at this château, now one of Pessac-Léognan’s leading wine estates, has risen exponentially under the reign of Véronique Sanders, with the property known for crafting wines of elegance and poise.