1964 Château Haut-Bailly

Deep in color, the scents on this 1964 Haut-Bailly languidly roll from the glass with mulberry, black plum, a touch of honey, caramel and undergrowth. Very Right Bank in style. The palate is less hedonistic than the nose. It is beautifully defined and svelte in the mouth. The acidity is nigh on perfect and interwoven with a delicate hand through the black plum, fig and tertiary flavors. Composed on the tender and graceful finish, this is a magnificent Haut-Bailly. Tasted from an ex-cellar bottle at the château.

The 1964 Château Haut-Bailly attested to the greatness of this estate and it was far superior to the example tasted several years ago, which I suspect was tinged with TCA. Deep in color, the bouquet almost languidly rolls from the glass with mulberry, black plum, a touch of honey, caramel and undergrowth, beautifully defined and very Right Bank in style, which should be no surprise given the composition of the vineyard. The palate does not disappoint. It is not quite as heady and opulent as the nose. It is beautifully defined and svelte in the mouth, the acidity nigh on perfect and interwoven with a delicate hand through the black plum, fig and tertiary flavors. Composed on the tender, graceful finish, it completes a downright delicious, exemplary Haut-Bailly—among the best old vintages that I have ever encountered. Bon vin! Tasted June 2015.