2005 Château Haut-Bailly

One of the highest blends of the two Cabernets in the vertical and this majors on violet flowers and savoury blue and black fruits, lilting aromatics that are drawn up and out of the glass, so precise, careful progression through the palate, with slate tannins and a touch of cola on the finish. Just a totally delicious wine that demonstrates the subtlety of Haut-Bailly, and more generally how you don't need to hit people over the head with power to get exceptional quality out of a glass of wine. Harvest September 14 through to October 11. 41hl/h yield. Denis Dubourdieu consultant. 50% new oak.

The 2005 Château Haut-Bailly just continues to drink brilliantly, with a massive, rich, full-bodied style as well as the château’s inherent sense of elegance and finesse. Ripe red and black fruits, smoked tobacco, graphite, saddle leather, and floral notes all define this beauty, and it has flawless balance, ripe yet perfectly integrated tannins, and just a regal, seamless, utterly compelling profile that is such a joy to drink today. It has another two decades of prime drinking ahead of it.

The 2005 Haut-Bailly has a very well defined nose with intense blackberry and raspberry scents, cedar and hints of peppermint, blossoming in the glass and outclassing the excellent 2004. The palate is very well balanced with firm but pliant tannins, layers of black fruit laced with raspberry coulis, leather, tobacco and sage. A judicious pepperiness comes through towards the structured and focused finish. This is just entering its drinking plateau. Tasted at the Haut-Bailly vertical at the château.