1985 Château Haut-Bailly
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Tasting notes
The 1985 Haut-Bailly has a rugged, earthy nose that to my mind is missing a bit of clarity and cleanliness. The palate is medium-bodied with rather raw acidity, though it develops more body on its loose-knit finish. It's the kind of wine that would not be accepted nowadays given the quality of the growing season. Tasted at a private dinner in Burgundy.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
There is not a great deal of depth to this Haut Bailly. Nevertheless, it offers charm, finesse, and a sweet black berry/curranty fruitiness. Some of the new oak and smokiness that were present when the wine was young has dissipated to reveal a slight herbaceousness behind the new oak. The wine is medium-bodied, with soft tannin, and some flesh on the attack that quickly narrows out to a lighter style, supple yet unexciting wine. Anticipated maturity: Now-2002. Last tasted 1/97.
This estate produces classy, fine wines and the 1985 is no different. Cherry, tobacco and chocolate aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and very firm, with wonderful tannins and a long, voluptuous finish. Drinkable now.--The Bordeaux 50. James Suckling, Wine Spectator 1994
There is not a great deal of depth to this Haut Bailly. Nevertheless, it offers charm, finesse, and a sweet black berry/curranty fruitiness. Some of the new oak and smokiness that were present when the wine was young has dissipated to reveal a slight herbaceousness behind the new oak. The wine is medium-bodied, with soft tannin, and some flesh on the attack that quickly narrows out to a lighter style, supple yet unexciting wine. Anticipated maturity: Now-2002. Last tasted 1/97. 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.