Good old-fashioned style claret. Saturated color. Nose has cedar, smoky gravel, a subtle menthol note, and cassis fruit. Equal parts dark fruit and gravelly minerality in the mouth. Dry impression, and no extra fat on this one. Tannins are soft and don’t intrude. — 12 days ago
The 2009 Haut-Bailly remains a glorious example from this Pessac-Léognan estate and confirms my recent encounters. Blueberries and cassis scents soon join black cherries, blood orange and iris flower notes on the nose. It skillfully translates the precocity of the growing season, though there is just a touch of alcohol that blurs the edges compared to more recent vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with a sensual, creamy, velvety texture. It is laden with black fruit and just a hint of liquorice, more primal than the bottle opened at the vertical the previous year. Drinking perfectly now if you like a bit of hedonism, otherwise, leave it four to five more years. Tasted at the château. (Neal Martin, Vinous, January 2023) — 13 days ago
Pamela Taylor
Nose has licorice-laced black currant, sage, menthol, a hint of sweet tobacco. Palate is medium, nice red plum skin notes with a savory edge. Medium bodied finish, great acidity and gentle tannins. — 7 days ago