Chateau Haut-Bailly II 2018
Winemaker Notes
La Parde de Haut-Bailly, born in 1967, has been renamed after 50 years of existence. As a second wine model, the name came spontaneously : Haut-Bailly.II. This "N°II" is proud to be a reflection of the grand vin ; this wine comes from a strict selection but with a capacity for more immediate pleasure. This new label will also be the symbol of a second generation that will write an additional chapter of the Wilmers family at Haut-Bailly – the construction work that began in the summer of 2018 reveals the dynamic character of the property. This label is of course different from that of its elder by the absence of the mention "Chateau", and restores the dot - touch of modernity - that existed on the labels of Haut-Bailly until 1985. The touch of red, matching the capsule is synonymous with energy and discreet elegance. The blend is a composition of lots marked with freshness and fruit, built upon a suave, elegant structure. Reflecting the virtues of the grand vin, Haut-Bailly.II can be enjoyed young, although it also has good ageing potential. The 2018 vintage is voluptuous and forms a colorful and dense wine, with a nice aromatic complexity. This wine is rich and powerful.
Blend: 65% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesA very elegant red. Crushed berries, some spices and earthy tones as well. It’s full-bodied and structured with a balanced, velvety texture and firm tannins. Long, flavorful finale. A blend of 65% merlot and 35% cabernet sauvignon. Try after 2023.
The second wine of this estate, formerly La Parde de Haut-Bailly, is a good reflection of the top wine. Firm tannins are embellished by black fruits that give richness and density. While tannins are there, the wine is generously textured and set for great medium-term aging. Drink from 2025.
Barrel Sample: 92
The 2018 Haut-Bailly II—formerly known as "La Parde de Haut-Bailly"—is the second wine of Haut-Bailly, having a name change starting with this vintage. Composed of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, it has a medium to deep garnet-purple color, singing of redcurrant jelly, Black Forest cake and black raspberries, plus notes of spice cake, potpourri, incense and unsmoked cigars. The medium to full-bodied palate is soft and juicy, featuring a lovely backbone of freshness and loads of spicy sparks on the long finish.
Showing nicely, the 2018 Château Haut-Bailly II (65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon) reveals a healthy ruby/purple color as well as classy notes of black cherries, cassis, leafy tobacco, and earth. It's medium to full-bodied and has a light, elegant texture, moderate tannins, and just loads of up-front charm and drinkability. It doesn't have the depth or richness of the Grand Vin, but it's still going to improve for 2-4 years and keep for a decade or more. I'd be happy to drink a bottle.
The vineyard of Haut-Bailly as we know it today began to take shape when the Goyanèche and then the Daitze family acquired and unified the best vine growing plots in the 1530s. The estate remained in the Daitze Family until 1630 when it was purchased by Firmin Le Bailly and Nicolas de Leuvarde, wealthy Parisian bankers and lovers of Graves wines.
Following substantial investments, the property continued to be passed down the Bailly family line until 1736, when Irishman Thomas Barton took the helm. His strong business network allowed him to spread word about the quality of Chateau Haut-Bailly at a time when French ‘claret' was beginning its rise to stardom in England and Ireland.
Throughout the 18th century powerful, well-connected and ambitious owners drove Haut-Bailly to new heights, including Christophe Lafaurie de Monbadon and his son Laurent who went on to become Mayor of Bordeaux in 1805.
In 1872, Alcide Bellot des Minières acquired the estate and constructed the imposing, stone chateau building that remains to this day. He pioneered a precise, science-driven approach to viticulture, becoming a figure of legend widely known as the 'King of Vintners'. Thanks to Alcide's incredible drive, Haut-Bailly experienced a remarkable golden age, commanding the same prices as the First Growths: Lafite, Latour, Margaux and Haut-Brion.
The purchase of Haut-Bailly in 1955 by Daniel Sanders, a Belgian negociant, opened up a new era. Daniel and his son, Jean, recomposed the vineyard, renovated the winery and took pains to select only grapes from the best vines for their grand vin. They succeeded in giving the wines a unique style and reputation, and Haut-Bailly recovered its image as a great wine on the international marketplace.
In July 1998 Chateau Haut-Bailly was purchased by American Robert G. Wilmers, chairman and CEO of the M&T Bank based in Buffalo, New York. A lifelong lover of Bordeaux Grands Crus, Bob was behind every strategic decision, ensuring that Haut-Bailly followed a path of progression and continuity whilst remaining ever-respectful of its heritage.
After Mr. Wilmers purchased the property, he first asked Jean Sanders to stay on board, and then Véronique Sanders, fourth generation, to serve as general manager, overseeing a far-reaching investment programme to modernise the vineyards, cellars, offices, and chateau itself.
For Bob and his wife Elisabeth, Haut-Bailly went well beyond a financial investment: it was a joint passion. Following the sad passing of Bob in December 2017, his family has taken over and will continue in his footsteps. Together with the management team, they are committed to continuing Bob’s work in the same spirit and energy as in the past twenty years. The many recently initiated and future projects will be pursued.
With the 2021 vintage, Chateau Haut-Bailly debuted a contemporary, custom-built winery which was completed at the end of 2020. The building allows them to carry out precision work in optimal conditions thanks to the space, natural light and technical innovation which are at the heart of the project.
Recognized for its superior reds as well as whites, Pessac-Léognan on the Left Bank claims classified growths for both—making it quite unique in comparison to its neighboring Médoc properties.
Pessac’s Chateau Haut-Brion, the only first growth located outside of the Médoc, is said to have been the first to conceptualize fine red wine in Bordeaux back in the late 1600s. The estate, along with its high-esteemed neighbors, La Mission Haut-Brion, Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pique-Caillou and Chateau Pape-Clément are today all but enveloped by the city of Bordeaux. The rest of the vineyards of Pessac-Léognan are in clearings of heavily forested area or abutting dense suburbs.
Arid sand and gravel on top of clay and limestone make the area unique and conducive to growing Sémillon and Sauvignon blanc as well as the grapes in the usual Left Bank red recipe: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and miniscule percentages of Petit Verdot and Malbec.
The best reds will show great force and finesse with inky blue and black fruit, mushroom, forest, tobacco, iodine and a smooth and intriguing texture.
Its best whites show complexity, longevity and no lack of exotic twists on citrus, tropical and stone fruit with pronounced floral and spice characteristics.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.