2018 Chateau Haut-Bailly Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 3x150cl

Jane Anson 98

The serious side of Haut-Bailly in full effect here, with Cabernet-dominant cassis and liqourice notes in the ascendant. Everything is taken slow and steady, concentrated by the relatively low 21hl/h yields but balancing cracked pepper, black truffle and smoked earth with fresher raspberry and mint leaf nuance. Give this a good 6 to 8 years more in bottle. Hottest summer since 2003 and 1947. 3.87ph. First vintage under owner Chris Wilmers, 2nd generation after Bob Wilmers.

Drinking window: 2026-2044

Review date: 05/10/2021

Antonio Galloni 97

The 2018 Haut-Bailly soars out of the glass, showing magnificent poise that only grows with time. Sweet, perfumed aromatics, silky tannins and mid-weight structure add to its considerable allure. Ripe red berry fruit, spice, blood orange, licorice, cedar, tobacco and menthol are all woven together in an effortless, classy Haut-Bailly that delivers the goods. I suppose the 2018 doesn't quite have the explosive energy of the very best years, but it more than makes up for that with its sensual, seductive personality.

Drinking window: 2028-2048

Review date: 01/03/2021