2018 Chateau Haut-Bailly Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan, Bottle (750ml)

JD99 "I seriously considered putting one more point on the 2018 Château Haut-Bailly, and for all practical purposes, it's as good as it gets. Based on 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, it has a majestic, full-bodied, multi-dimensional profile as well as a blockbuster bouquet of currants, chocolate-covered cherries, iron, tapenade, and smoked tobacco. It has a sunny, exuberant, uber-sexy style, yet it's not over the top, and it has perfect ripeness (not overripe or underripe), beautiful tannins, and flawless overall balance. It's approachable today yet should hit maturity in another 4-5 years and have a broad 30-40 years of prime drinking window." JD Oct 2023

JS99 "Complex and expressive nose, offering red and dark fruit, spices and pepper with wood and mushroom undertones. Fresh mussel shell and a hint of ink, too. Full-bodied with a fine texture and great balance between the acidity and the controlled, tannic structure. Very long finish. Goes on and on. Tiny production, 21 hectoliters per hectare." JS Jan 2021
"In a few short years, new proprietor Robert Wilmers and his winemaker, Veronique Sanders, have raised Haut-Bailly’s quality to the level of Pape-Clement, La Mission-Haut-Brion, and Haut-Brion."RP Apr 2009