Château HAUT-BAILLY 2017
In Léognan, Château Haut-Bailly occupies one of the most unique terroirs of Pessac-Léognan, on a raised gravel ridge overlooking the surroundings. A Cru Classé of Graves, the estate benefits from soils mixing gravel, sand, and clay, with a complex subsoil that promotes drainage, rooting depth, and consistent ripening. The estate has belonged to the Wilmers family since 1998, who have continued precise work on the vineyard while preserving the classic and refined identity of the cru. Cabernet Sauvignon plays a central role in the blend balance, accompanied by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The 2017 vintage was marked in Bordeaux by a spring frost episode, but the best-situated plots of Haut-Bailly allowed the production of a great wine of remarkable finesse. The year is distinguished more by freshness, elegance, and precision than by massive concentration. Haut-Bailly 2017 thus offers a particularly refined expression of Pessac-Léognan, built on tannic finesse and length.
The blend consists of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon provides a straight structure, notes of blackcurrant, graphite, and cedar, as well as great persistence on the palate. Merlot complements this architecture with a softer, fleshier texture, while Cabernet Franc adds a floral and spicy touch. Petit Verdot, present in measured proportion, enhances depth and aromatic relief. The different lots are vinified separately to respect the characteristics specific to each plot before the final blend. Aging in French oak barrels gradually refines the tannic grain without masking the vintage's natural freshness. Less demonstrative than 2015 or 2016, the 2017 seduces by its balance, precision, and an evolution that favors subtlety.
The color shows a deep garnet with still strong ruby reflections. The nose opens with blackcurrant, black cherry, and blackberry, accompanied by violet, cedar, and graphite. Aeration gradually reveals nuances of blond tobacco, licorice, fine spices, and a discreet smoky touch. The palate is slender and precise, with fine tannins structuring the wine without harshness. Persistent freshness accompanies the dark fruit and gives the whole a remarkable sensation of length. The finish, elegant and progressively complex, returns to graphite, spices, tobacco, and light floral nuances. Château Haut-Bailly 2017 will accompany a rack of lamb, a beef fillet with porcini mushrooms, roasted pigeon, veal with morels, or duck breast.
Grape varieties: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot
