2005 Chateau Haut-Bailly Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan, Bottle (750ml)

JD98 "The 2005 Château Haut-Bailly is the real deal and unquestionably the finest wine here since the 2000. Stunning notes of blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, loamy earth, saddle leather, and flowers all define this rich, full-bodied, concentrated Haut-Bailly, which has sweet, mouth-coating tannins, a stacked mid-palate, and just a broad, expansive, incredibly sexy profile that just begs to be drunk. Bordeaux lovers need to have this beauty in their cellars! I love it today, yet it has another two decades of longevity." JD Oct 2023

JA97 One of the highest blends of the two Cabernets in the vertical and this majors on violet flowers and savoury blue and black fruits, lilting aromatics that are drawn up and out of the glass, so precise, careful progression through the palate, with slate tannins and a touch of cola on the finish. Just a totally delicious wine that demonstrates the subtlety of Haut-Bailly, and more generally how you don't need to hit people over the head with power to get exceptional quality out of a glass of wine. Harvest September 14 through to October 11. 41hl/h yield. Denis Dubourdieu consultant. 50% new oak.