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
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A 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.
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Wine Enthusiast
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.
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Decanter
La Parde de Haut Bailly has been renamed Haut Bailly II as of this vintage. Right from the first nose you can feel how intense this is, and certainly it's a second wine that gives you a good idea of the potential of the grand vin. It's poised and juicy, with liquorice, cassis, pencil lead, slate and the tingle of minerality that tells you that we are with Haut-Bailly here. There's a touch of austerity on the finish, not giving in to the vintage potential for being overly generous. 30% new oak. 30% of production.
Barrel Sample: 92 -
Jeb Dunnuck
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.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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.
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.
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.