1988 Haut Bailly
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Tasting notes
The 1988 Haut Bailly, which Véronique Sanders told me was the first year that there was a green harvest, was picked from 27 September until 21 October. Apparently they achieved rich tannins that were unprecedented. At thirty years old it has a pretty, minty, slightly rustic bouquet that has held up well. There is certainly more presence here than a lot of other 1988s. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly rustic tannins, but the acidity is nicely judged with tarry black fruit on the sustained finish. This is worth seeking out. Tasted at the château.
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Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1988 is full and rich, with that profound, mineral, spicy, sweet oaky, curranty aroma, gentle, yet full-bodied, creamy-textured flavors, and a long, smooth, marvelous finish. This wine may well turn out to be outstanding with another 3-4 years in the bottle. Anticipated maturity: Now-2003.
Dark chocolate, with meat, fresh mushroom and a light espresso undertone. Full-bodied, with ultrarefined tannins and a meaty, berry, earth and spice undertone, even game. Rich and generous. What a surprise. Much better than I remember.¿'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Drink now. James Suckling, Wine Spectator 2009.
The 1988 is full and rich, with that profound, mineral, spicy, sweet oaky, curranty aroma, gentle, yet full-bodied, creamy-textured flavors, and a long, smooth, marvelous finish. This wine may well turn out to be outstanding with another 3-4 years in the bottle. Anticipated maturity: Now-2003. Feb 1993, 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.